Readers Respond: What is your favorite children’s book?
The Rabbit Listened, written and illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld
As a grown-up, it is tempting to jump into fix-it mode when a child has a problem. This book is a beautiful reminder that most times, children — and grown-ups — already have the answers inside them. All they need is a listening ear.
– Angie Vaaler
Captain Underpants, written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey
I was recently on a panel with the Minnesota Black Authors Expo. One of the questions was, “What was your favorite book as a child?” While answering Captain Underpants, I realized how influential the comic chapter book was in my life. Now I create comic books to make learning fun.
– Mercedes Yarbrough, AKA Mizz Mercedez
A More Graceful Shaboom, written by Jacinta Bunnell illustrated by Crystal Vielula
I appreciate the fact that the mama and mother in this book seem like real people, not idealized mother characters. Most of all I love the ending, which bursts into a joyful Technicolor world, a world I believe is possible as more children grow up embracing the full spectrum of gender.
– Emily Levang
Dreamers, written and illustrated by Yuyi Morales
This poetic story about a mother and baby who come to the United States from Mexico conveys the emotional experience of having to leave home. It also makes room for conversation about how the immigration system could change for the better.
– Emily Levang
The Rose in My Garden, written by Arnold Lobel illustrated by Anita Lobel 
The first page of this book says, “This is the rose in my garden.” With each lovely verse, a new creature and a flower are introduced.
–Maureen Heinen
When Stars Are Scattered, written by Victoria Jamison and Omar Mohamed; illustrated by Victoria Jamison and Iman Geddy
This gorgeous graphic novel offers a glimpse into the day- to-day life of being a refugee from a kid’s perspective. While suggested for middle school– aged readers, I read this book aloud to my second grader. When we finished it she said, “I never knew a book could make you think and cry so much.”
– Elizabeth Kruger
For 2025 coverage, Minnesota Women’s Press earned a community leadership award, three photography awards, and four editorial awards, including for coverage of social issues and for our Spring 2025 “Know Your Rights” special section supported by Unidos MN. Our publisher was named Journalist of the Year by Violence Free Minnesota for gender-based violence coverage.
