Jayden Noticed

This grounding story from Crimi (Secondhand Dogs) and Knight-Justice (Big Boy Joy) features a keenly perceptive child whose special interest helps him navigate a house move. Crisp text introduces Jayden as “a noticer”—“He noticed web wheels and egg freckles. Tree knuckles and frog songs. Mouse paws and rose petals.” The protagonist also finds comfort in a rock collection that variously includes a “thinking rock,” a “fort-building rock,” and a jar of “wishing rocks” that represent prior, presumably successful, hopes, including for friendship. Jayden isn’t ready for his family’s move to a new home, but upon arrival, his mood lifts with the discovery of another wishing rock (small and brown with a “river of sparkle” running through it). And he soon puts it to use when encountering a possible playmate, a kindred spirit whose presence encourages Jayden to embrace the new residence with optimism. Musical scores, newsprint, and more peek through mottled color in airbrush-textured digital renderings. Sensitive storytelling empathically captures Jayden’s experiences, yielding a supportive story about finding rock-solid stability amid life change. Characters are portrayed with varying brown skin tones. Ages 3–7. Author’s agent: Stephanie Fretwell-Hill, Red Fox Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Christy Ewers, CAT Agency. (Feb.)