Ladybug Longlist: Family

Remembering by Xelena Gonzalez

"A bittersweet book that offers a new way to approach a common childhood experience. The vibrant artwork follows a child who is both mourning and honoring a recently departed family dog as part of the annual Day of the Dead celebrations. Excellent back matter shares the creators' motivations, explains cultural connections, and offers suggestions if students want to prepare their own ofrenda to honor pets they have lost." -- nominator

With Dad by Richard Jackson

"It is very timely, multi generational, I can actually feel my own father's hands on mine on the steering wheel as he "let me drive" while sitting on his lap as a child out in the country. It is a nod to military families which is so needed today. It's a very sweet and timeless story. The illustrations are beautiful too." -- nominator

This post is one of a series of 15 "bite-sized" pieces into which we have divided the 2025 Ladybug Picture Book Award Long List to help NH librarians consider all the potential nominees. Please review the full list (or wait until we have covered all the titles) before you cast your vote as you can only vote once.