Reading Activities: Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Mo

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Home in a Lunchbox
Author: Cherry Mo
Illustrator: Cherry Mo
11 June 2024
Penguin Workshop
40 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “Cherry Mo’s stunning debut is about a young girl who immigrates to America and finds home in an unexpected place.

When Jun moves from Hong Kong to America, the only words she knows are hello, thank you, I don’t know, and toilet. Her new school feels foreign and terrifying.

But when she opens her lunchbox to find her favorite meals—like bao, dumplings, and bok choy—she realizes home isn’t so far away after all.

Through lush art and spare dialogue, Cherry Mo’s breathtakingly beautiful debut picture book reminds readers that friendship and belonging can be found in every bite.”

Need some reviews of Home in a Lunchbox?

Reading Activities inspired by Home in a Lunchbox:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front cover: 
    • What do you notice first on the cover?
    • What do the lunchbox, food, and classroom details make you wonder about the story?
    • How does the girl on the cover seem to feel? What clues show that?
    • Why do you think the title says home can be “in” a lunchbox?
    • Where do you think the girl is? What clues help you know?
    • What questions would you like to ask the author-​illustrator before reading the book?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • Why does Jun feel unsure at her new school?
    • How does the lunchbox help Jun feel connected to home?
    • What do the illustrations show us that the words don’t explain?
    • Where do you see Jun beginning to feel less alone?
    • How does food help people share parts of who they are?
    • What does this book suggest about friendship?
    • Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?
  • Four Words, Big World: Jun begins school with only a few English words she knows how to use. Imagine arriving somewhere new where most people don’t speak your language. What four words or phrases would you most want to know first? Write them down, then explain why each one would matter.
  • Lunchbox Memory Map: Choose one food that reminds you of home or someone you love. Instead of just naming the food, make a memory map around it. What does it smell like? Who makes it? Where do you usually eat it? What does it make you remember?
  • A Page with Few Words: This book uses spare dialogue, which means the pictures have to do a lot of storytelling. Choose one spread and study it carefully. What can you understand just by studying the picture? Write three things the art tells you without needing many words.
  • The First-​Day Feeling: Jun’s new school feels confusing and unfamiliar at first. Think about a time when you were new somewhere, or imagine what that might feel like. Make a short list of things that could help someone feel welcome without requiring lots of talking.
  • Share a Bite, Share a Story: Food can be a way to tell someone where you come from, who loves you, or what feels comforting. Choose one food you would share with a new friend. Write a few lines about why you picked it and what you’d want that friend to understand about it.
  • Books, Books, and More Books!: Check out these picture books about food, family, and finding where you belong:

Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao by Kat Zhang, illustrated by Charlene Chua
Amy wants to make bao just like everyone else in her family, but getting them exactly right takes practice.

Bilal Cooks Daal by Aisha Saeed, illustrated by Anoosha Syed
Bilal shares one of his favorite foods with friends, even though daal takes patience.

Drawn Together by Minh Lê, illustrated by Dan Santat
A boy and his grandfather struggle to communicate with words, then discover another way to understand each other.

Luli and the Language of Tea by Andrea Wang, illustrated by Hyewon Yum
Children who speak different languages find common ground through tea.

Watercress by Andrea Wang, illustrated by Jason Chin
A girl feels embarrassed when her family stops to gather watercress, then learns the deeper story behind that food.

Behind the Books: Spotlight on Oge Mora

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Oge Mora was an easy yes for this month’s Creator Spotlight. Why? Because her work has so much life on the page. For example–torn paper, bold color, and people moving through spaces that feel warm and familiar.

I’ve taught quite a few books she’s made or illustrated in my Writing Picture Book class, though I’ll limit myself to three here and share a few of the things I frequently say about them.

Thank You, Omu!

Omu makes a big pot of stew, the smell drifts out, and before long one visitor turns into many.

A few things worth noticing:

  • The knock-​at-​the-​door pattern gives the book readaloud rhythm.
  • The collage art makes the whole neighborhood feel like a place where people all actually know each other.
  • Oge lets generosity build bowl by bowl.
  • The ending works because the neighborhood has been taking shape all along.

Saturday

A mother and daughter have a whole Saturday planned, but then the day starts slipping away from them.

A few things worth noticing:

  • Oge gets how kid disappointment works when one letdown turns into another.
  • The city matters here. It feels like a real day out instead of merely being a backdrop.
  • The mother-​daughter bond keeps the story grounded.
  • The recovery works because the book lets the bad mood stay on the page for a bit.

The Oldest Student

Mary Walker wanted to read for most of her life, and finally learned at 116. Wow, right?

(Note: Rita Lorraine Hubbard wrote this one, and Oge Mora illustrated it)

A few things worth noticing:

  • Rita keeps the throughline clear from the start: Mary wants to read.
  • Oge’s collages bring texture to Mary’s world.
  • Mary’s determination is shown so well through “small” visual choices, like how she sits, watches, and waits.

If you’ve got a favorite Oge Mora title, share that in the comments. I’d love to hear which one stays with you most.

Picture Book Reviews: Five-​Word Reviews for July 2026

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Keeping it short again this month and not just because I’m doing so much traveling that many of these posts are being written at the tables in the free breakfast areas of hotel lobbies!

Here’s July’s review roundup, built from a handful of spring 2026 picture books that caught my eye (and ear!). If you’ve read any of these, hit up the comments section with your own five-​word review.

And if there’s a recent or forthcoming book you’d like to see me cover in some fashion on the blog, let me know! Suggestions are always welcome.

The Bookship
Author: Hiba Noor Khan
Illustrator: Julian Ariza
Ketebe Publishing
26 May 2026
32 pages

Ryan’s five-​word review: Grandad’s stories outlive sorrow. Still. 

4 out of 5 bottled messages


Brave Like a Lion! How a Puppeteer Found Her Voice
Author: Megan Piphus
Illustrator: Niña Mata
Dial Books
5 May 2026
40 pages

Ryan’s five-​word review: Puppet magic quietly transforms timidity. 

4.5 out of 5 lion roars

Kindergarten Gets Ready
Author: Naomi Danis
Illustrator: Pete Oswald
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
26 May 2026
40 pages

Ryan’s five-​word review: Classroom order eases first-​day jitters.

4.5 out of 5 labeled cubbies

Miles Ahead
Author: Minh Lê
Illustrator: Lynnor Bontigao
Knopf Books for Young Readers
28 April 2026
40 pages

Ryan’s five-​word review: Road-​trip chaos uncovers family treasures.

4.25 out of 5 baby booties

Open
Author: Robert Agis
Illustrator: Sarah Jacoby
Candlewick
5 May 2026
32 pages

Ryan’s five-​word review: Becoming takes time. Bloom anyway.

4.25 out of 5 sunbursts

Conference Roundup: WIFYR (June 2026)

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So I was faculty at the WIFYR (Writing & Illustrating for Young Readers) conference outside Salt Lake City this month, and yes, it’s exactly the kind of experience OPB readers are likely to appreciate.

When I’m teaching at an event, I never get as many photos as I want or attend as many sessions as I’d like, but I still came home with a few things worth sharing along with some fair-​to-​middling photos to prove I was there.

My 4th floor hotel room had a nice view of mountains.

Spoiler: there are mountains all around SLC! Who knew?

I’m not a breakfast person. At all. But when I travel for work, I generally partake of the free breakfasts when they’re available.

Speaking of food, I ate at VIA313 Pizzeria twice because it was super convenient to where my hotel was, and Detroit-​style pizza is pretty darn good (it’s an understudy to Chicago pizza, though).

I also ate at Legends, which had local root beer on tap. The server told me it was Beehive, but later confirmed that it was from Moab Brewery. Either way, it was a solid 7.25 out of 10. Just enough bite and a good foamy mouthfeel.

For those of you who run your own writing workshops/​events, don’t forget Sharpies to sign your books, batteries to power your PowerPoint clicker, and snackies for the attendees. Otherwise, you’ll have to walk all the way to the local Target to fix that issue, like I did.

During one of her talks to the group, literary agent Heidi Gordon explained the importance of knowing the market in which you aspire to publish, and how social media is one way to do that. A woman in the audience asked, “But what if I’m not on social media at all?” Heidi replied: “Get on there, sister!”

This is Smiling Ryan. Why am I smiling? Because in my plenary talk, I’m praising Capstone Press and one of my favorite editors–Christianne Jones. Publishing just works better when you’re partnering with terrific people.

This is my new friend, Janet! She gave a great talk on how to create effective settings and she demystified the editorial process by sharing the step-​by-​step approach to finishing her Help Wanted: Must Love Books picture book (coincidentally edited by Christianne Jones–the publishing world is a very small world, indeed).

This is the big room where all the full-​group talks were held. That’s Scott Rhoades at the front, getting the tech together. Heidi Gordon offered him representation, so he’s now got an agent. Good things happen to good people who stick with it, folks.

The large multipurpose room at the American Preparatory Academy had musical instruments and stands tucked in all the corners. Seeing those always makes me feel at home.

That’s me taking a photo of myself in the mirror of one of the odd bathrooms throughout the building. You can use the toilets in the back with privacy, but the handwashing and mirror-​checking? Totally open to the world.

This is the group that took my weeklong morning session about writing kidlit nonfiction. What a great bunch of writers.

Here’s one of the key concepts I shared with the group about information layering. Does the info belong NOW (in the main text), LATER (in sidebars, footnotes, annotations, or back matter), or NEVER (as in “not in this book”)?

And yes, they soon realized the way to my heart–and stomach–was bringing me root beer. Did anyone else know that SLC has The Root Beer Store?

And…more root beer!

One of the best things about doing live events is that I get to spend so much time with the other faculty, like (bottom to top) Jennifer Adams, Erin Stewart, Celesta Rimington, and Janet Sumner Johnson. So lovely to meet them all f2f!

What writing conference is complete without air guitar and dancing to 1980s-​era Van Halen, right? Ernest and Scott nailed it here.

The SLC airport has cup holders. And the seats aren’t all messed up. Love it.

Spoiler: Yes, that’s a razzmatazz Jamba Juice. It’s a beverage I only drink when traveling for work.

Thanks to Carol Williams and the entire team for bringing me to WIFYR this year. I’m grateful for the chance to share a few of my strategies, secrets, and hard-​earned lessons with writers who are serious about getting better.

Were you at WIFYR this year? If so, drop a favorite moment in the comments. And if you’ve been to a writing conference lately, I’d love to hear what made it useful, memorable, or wonderfully weird.

Industry Insider: Thank You, Jane Yolen

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Sometimes the industry itself loses one of its giants. This month, children’s literature said goodbye to Jane Yolen.

Jane wrote more than 450 books, won more awards than I could possibly list here, and helped shape generations of readers, writers, and illustrators. Books like Owl Moon, The Devil’s Arithmetic, and so many others have become part of the fabric of children’s literature.

But numbers and awards tell only part of the story. Ask around the kidlit community and you’ll hear about Jane’s generosity, encouragement, mentorship, and welcome.

I experienced that firsthand. We wrote a few books together, and I had the pleasure of editing others she wrote. I also brought her to Florida once to meet with students. During that trip, she stayed at my house, and we threw a Jane-​Yolen-​themed party with local kidlit friends.

 

That’s the kind of memory I’m holding onto right now: Jane in the middle of books, students, writers, laughter, conversation, and a table full of food inspired by her stories.

So, instead of our usual Industry Insider feature this month, it felt right to simply say:

Thank you, Jane.

For the stories.
For the wisdom.
For the example.
And for helping make children’s literature the remarkable community that it is.

Reading Activities: My Block Looks Like by Janelle Harper, illustrated by Frank Morrison

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My Block Looks Like
Author: Janelle Harper
Illustrator: Frank Morrison
2 January 2024
Viking Books for Young Readers
40 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “A love letter to the hustle, the bustle, the joy, and the grit of city life by debut author and Bronx native, Janelle Harper, and two-​time Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner, Frank Morrison.

A lyrical and proud picture book that recognizes the beauty of the bodegas, subways, and playgrounds that characterize everyday life in the Bronx and pays homage to the ways that its residents have shaped pop culture through music, visual art, and dance. Perfect for fans of I Am Every Good Thing and Last Stop on Market Street, My Block Looks Like offers kids a reaffirming message to celebrate and uplift their communities in an energetic text that begs to be read aloud.”

Need some reviews of My Block Looks Like?

Reading Activities inspired by My Block Looks Like:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front cover: 
    • What do you notice first on the cover?
    • What clues tell you this neighborhood has a lot of movement and energy?
    • What sounds do you imagine hearing on this block?
    • How do the colors make the neighborhood feel?
    • What details on the cover make this block feel like a place people know well?
    • What questions would you like to ask the author or illustrator before reading the book?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • What details make this block feel alive?
    • Which part of the neighborhood would you most want to visit, and why?
    • How do the words and pictures show sound, rhythm, and movement?
    • What ordinary places become special in this book?
    • How does the illustrator show pride, joy, or confidence in the people on the block?
    • What does this book suggest about the connection between place and identity?
    • Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?
  • The Beat of the Block: Think about a place you know well and make a “beat list” for it. What do you hear there? Sneakers squeaking? Doors closing? Music playing? Dogs barking? Cars passing? Turn your list into a short chant or read-​aloud poem that begins, “My block sounds like…”
  • A Place with Personality: Choose one place from the book, such as a bodega, subway, playground, sidewalk, street corner, or mural. Then choose one place from your own community. What makes each place feel alive? Write a few lines comparing them.
  • Sidewalk Snapshot: Imagine you could freeze one busy moment from your neighborhood. Who would be there? What would they be doing? What details would make the scene feel real? Create a quick “snapshot” with words, pictures, or both. Try to include at least one tiny background detail someone might miss at first.
  • My Block Looks Like…: Use the book’s title as your starting point. Finish the sentence “My block looks like…” in three different ways. One answer can focus on what you see, one on what you hear, and one on how the place makes you feel. Push past easy answers and look for the specific details that make your place yours.
  • Neighborhood Pride Postcard: Create a postcard from your block, street, town, or favorite local place. On the front, show one image that captures the spirit of the place. On the back, write a short message to someone who has never been there before. What would you want them to notice first?
  • Books, Books, and More Books!: Check out these picture books about neighborhoods and noticing the places that shape us:

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson
A boy and his grandmother ride a bus across the city, and the trip shifts how he sees the world around him.

Maybe Something Beautiful by F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell, illustrated by Rafael López
A girl shares her art with her neighborhood, and this small creative act turns into something so much bigger.

My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero, illustrated by Zeke Peña
A girl rides through her neighborhood with her father, taking in the people, places, smells, and sounds that make it home.

Uptown by Bryan Collier
A boy celebrates Harlem through brownstones, barbershops, music, food, art, and neighborhood landmarks.

The World Belonged to Us by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Leo Espinosa
A summer city book about the freedom, noise, and joy of kids playing outside.