Under the Olive Moon by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara and Nour Ferwana (authors) and Raahat Kaduji (illustrator) (Candlewick). As these “Ten Palestinian Fables as Told by a Mom in Gaza” illustrate, kids are kids. And when those kids are cold, scared, and hungry, stories can often soothe them — especially ones like these that bring the power of kindness, resilience, and the generosity of the human spirit quietly to life.

Antonio’s New Tacos / Los nuevos tacos de Antonio by Veronica Benavides and Andrés Acosta (authors) and Addy Sonda (illustrator) (Free Spirit Publishing). “‘Ah, tacos de nopal,’ Abuela Mari says. ‘Your great-grandmother had the biggest, greenest, wildest nopal in all of town…’ She sighs. ‘…Impossible. Some flavors will never taste like home.’” But her grandson Antonio isn’t deterred. After all, if his family can be at home in two places — Mexico and the U.S. — then surely the foods they love (even nopales, prickly pear cactus pads) can exist in both, too!

Same Time, Next Week? by Marlene Droop (author/illustrator) and Alisha Niehaus Berger (translator) (NorthSouth Books). “Usually Giraffe drives a convertible. But tonight, the friends are taking Turtle’s van. ‘Look out, don’t miss the exit! Crocodile is waiting for us under the bridge!’ cries Turtle, mouth full.” Whew! Crisis averted, and the four — once they pick up Sheep — head out of town to stargaze away from the city’s lights. But there are snacks to eat and naps to grab along the way. Maybe the pals will enjoy their time together even if they fail to spot a single star…