Food has a way of bringing people together, creating opportunities for friendship, conversation, and connection across cultures. In this reflection, Terry Farish shares a collection of picture books that celebrate food, family, and the joy of discovering the many traditions and experiences that shape our communities.

Stories have the power to take us beyond our own experiences and help us see the world through new perspectives. In this reflection, Terry Farish shares a selection of outstanding international books that celebrate diverse voices, cultures, and experiences while reminding us of the connections that unite readers everywhere.

Julie Flett’s picture book “Birdsong” runs away with my blue ribbon for picture books about moving. All of these books are about migration of some kind, and in Katherena's case, in “Birdsong,” her migration is to a new home, away from the sea.

Reflections on fellow author Elsa Marston and her literary love affair with Lebanon and the Middle East. Elsa’s stories explored war, cultural difference, and the possibility of peace. In “The Olive Tree,” she searched for “some signs of hope” among people trying to move beyond hatred and anger. Fiction can help us understand the world—and tell its deepest truths.

How do we remember those whose stories might otherwise be lost? In this thoughtful reflection, Terry Farish explores the power of books, letters, and personal histories to preserve the human experience of the Vietnam War, reminding us that every story has the power to deepen our understanding of the past.