The Brothers Zzli (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780802856098)

A moving allegory of immigration and hospitality.

One day, the brothers Zzli come to the doorstep of a little girl named Welcome. Welcome has plenty of room in her big, empty house, and the travelers--who have come from far away--make good pancakes and even better company. But others in the forest find this new family strange, even dangerous. When the bears invite their neighbors to a big party, only
Welcome's friend the bat shows up. Soon after that, a policeman knocks on their door, threatening to destroy the brothers' beloved beehives. Maybe Welcome and her friends need to find someplace that might accept three bears, a bat, and a girl like her: somewhere to call home at last.

With charming, delightful illustrations reminiscent of vintage children's classics, The Brothers Zzli invites readers to join a bear family's search for belonging in a world that views them with suspicion. This poignant story will spark lasting conversations about the impact of prejudice, the struggles of refugees, and the responsibility we have to our neighbors--especially the new ones.

The Children's Book Council Teacher FAVORITES List 3rd-5th Grade (2024)

Foreword Reviews INDIES Book of the Year Award in Picture Books, Early Reader Finalist (2023)

Albertine The Prix Albertine Jeunesse 3-5, 6-8 & 9-14 Years Old Shortlist (2024)

Mississippi Children's Museum Magnolia Book Awards Pre-K - 2nd Grade Nominee (2023)

Author: Alex Cousseau
ISBN-10: 0802856098
ISBN-13: 9780802856098
Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Language: English
Published: 10/24/2023
Pages: 40
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 10.60h x 8.80w x 0.70d

Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 08/01/2023 pg. 79
Horn Book Magazine 09/01/2023 pg. 49
Booklist 10/01/2023 pg. 71
Kirkus Reviews 10/15/2023
Foreword 10/27/2023