A Terrible Place for a Nest

When Juno and his mother lose their home and have to move, his mom likes the sounds of the mourning doves that greet them at their new address. But for Juno, who feels the change keenly, “this is a terrible place to build a nest!” When one of the family’s movers inadvertently smashes the mourning doves’ nest and eggs, things hit an emotional bottom for Juno: “I told you it was a bad place for a nest!” Over time, though, Juno makes a friend and unpacks his room, and the birds make another nest, as Meza’s palette warms subtly from chalky, washed-out blues and browns to cheerful saturated hues. The slow but steady transformation that Levine traces from upset to familiarity and joy feels real and satisfying as the family lavishes care on the mourning doves and, in the process, on making a new home for themselves. Juno and his mother have brown skin; other characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4–8. (May)