Kevin Henkes

Four-year-old Sal is having a very difficult holiday season. Her family is celebrating their first winter with a brand new baby, and Sal is not thrilled about the changes. The baby is noisy, constantly crying, and taking up all of Mama's attention. To make matters even more frustrating, the baby does not even have a name yet. While her older brother Billy is excited for Uncle Jake to visit, Sal is dealing with a major disaster: she has lost the very best gift that Santa gave her. Between her annoying big brother, the chaotic house, and her missing present, Sal feels completely overwhelmed. But the holiday season is full of unexpected surprises. As the Miller family gathers together, Sal might just find her missing gift, help name the new baby, and discover that being a big sister is not so bad after all. Step into a warm, funny story about family, big feelings, and holiday magic.

Starting a new school year always brings a mix of nerves and excitement, but Billy Miller has a little extra to worry about. After a minor tumble and a bump on the head during a family vacation, Billy is anxious about whether he is truly smart enough for the challenges of his new classroom. As the school year unfolds, Billy navigates a series of everyday hurdles that will test his confidence and his heart. From trying to impress his hardworking teacher and dealing with a frustrating desk-mate, to navigating the complex dynamics of living with his energetic little sister, Sal, Billy's life is full of quiet but meaningful adventures. He also finds unique ways to connect with his stay-at-home artist father and his busy mother, learning that growing up is about small victories and finding your own voice. This warm, beautifully crafted story captures the authentic ups and downs of elementary school life. You will step into Billy's world and experience a year filled with humor, gentle life lessons, and the comforting reality of family love. It is a tender, relatable journey about overcoming self-doubt and discovering exactly who you are meant to be.