Updated: Jan 6
Thrilled that the esteemed Betsy Bird chose our book!! Here's her review:
"Not the first Pei picture book we’ve seen but the first that focuses squarely on the construction of his work on the Louvre.
It’s funny, but 2025 was a year when I was paying a lot more attention to how architects were portrayed in media. The film The Brutalist, for example, (out in 2024) was very much of the Genius Misunderstood type of take, which is a dangerous way to grapple with architecture as a field (think: Atlas Shrugged).
So the challenge of Jeanne Walker Harvey here was to portray I.M. Pei not as a stubborn man fighting a corrupt system, but simply of someone placed in a difficult position (an “outsider” to the French working on their beloved Louvre) who has to stick to their guns on their vision while also working to persuade people to see things his way. But gently.
At one point Harvey writes, “So, during difficult newspaper and TV interviews, he focuses his energy on the Confucian teachings his grandfather taught him. Never show anger. Express oneself calmly and clearly. Be patient.” Lessons I’d love to see utilized a lot more in discussions these days.
The art of Khoa Le adapts perfectly, never shying away from the more geometrical structures at work.
But, being me, my favorite part is undeniably when the Pei introduces a model of his pyramid to the French for the first time. “A cheap-looking tacky diamond!” Great writing."
- Dec 12, 2025
I'm thrilled that THE GLASS PYRAMID has been chosen as a 2026 Best STEM Book by STEM educators, co-sponsored by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and the Children's Book Council (CBC)
These book recommendations are for educators, librarians, parents, and guardians who are seeking the best children’s books with STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) content in 2026.
The selection committee evaluates submissions based on its adherence to the following criteria:
Models innovation
Illustrates authentic problems
Assimilates new ideas
Invites divergent thinking
Explores multiple solutions
Integrates STEM disciplines
Shows progressive change or improvement
Content accuracy–appropriate to age and audience
For a full list of the winners (from picture book through teen): https://cbcbooks.org/cbc-book-lists/bsb-2026/
- Dec 9, 2025
A True Story of an Extraordinary
World war II Rescue
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Chronicle Books
pub. 9.2.2025
68 pages
Ages 5 - 8
Author: Elizabeth Brown
Illustrator: Melissa Castrillón
Character: Aristides de Sousa Mendes
Overview:
"'He who saves a single life, saves the world entire.' —The Talmud
Here is the true and powerful story of Aristides de Sousa Mendes, who, against his government’s commands, helped refugees flee France to escape the Nazis by granting visas that allowed them entry to Portugal.
In one of the greatest individual acts of rescue in World War II, Mendes saved many thousands of people, including the artist Salvador Dalí; H.A. and Margret Rey, the creators of Curious George; professors of medicine, biology, and physics who would go on to teach in America; and thousands of others whose lives are less known but no less precious. He and his family paid dearly for it, but Aristides never regretted his actions, believing to the very end of his life that every life is worth saving."
Tantalizing taste:
"While Portugal officially took no side in the war, its leaders were not interested in helping the people fleeing the Nazi army. The prime minister had ordered Portugal's diplomats not to give visas to anyone hoping to escape...
Aristedes tossed and turned in his bed. He thought about what it would be like if his family were in the same situation.
How could he live with himself if he didn't help? What if all these children were his own?"
And something more: Elizabeth Brown in the Author's Note explains: "On July 8, 1940, Aristides returned to Portugal. He was arrested, was taken to Lisbon by the secret police, and stood trial. He was stripped of his job and diplomatic title, and he and his children were prevented from working or attending universities in Portugal for the rest of their lives. Aristides also lost his beloved [home] Casa do Passal ... Aristides had to feed his wife and children in soup kitchens and with the assistance of other aid societies led by the Jewish community.
Before he died in 1954, Aristides 'asked his children to clear his name and have the honor of his family restored... After many years, his deeds began to be recognized... in 1966 Israel declared Aristides de Sousa Mendes to be 'Righteous among the Nations.'... the U.S. Congress issued a declaration to honor Aristides' bravery in 1986, and then in 1987 to 1988, the Portuguese president... 'apologized to the Sousa Mendes family and the Portuguese Parliament promoted him posthumously to the rank of Ambassador.'' And in 2017, he was awarded Portugal's highest honor - the Grand Cross of the Order of Liberty.
