Book Review: 'Ripples' by Katie Yamasaki PLUS A Giveaway! #Ripples ~

This post is sponsored by Norton Young Readers. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Ripples

Written and Illustrated by Katie Yamasaki

Ages: 6–10 | 40 Pages

Publisher: Norton Young Readers (2026) | ISBN: 978-1324053941

Publisher’s Book Summary: A young girl and her Aunty set sail on their river raft, basking in each other’s company and in the beauty of the world around them. Along the way, they pass friends and families caring for one another—sharing food, tending wounds, celebrating birthdays, and telling stories—who ultimately join them in cleaning litter and trash from the river. A moving picture book about compassion, community, and caring for our shared world.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Katie Yamasaki works primarily as a muralist and picture book creator. She has painted more than eighty murals around the world, exploring local stories of identity and social justice. Her picture books include Mural Island, Place Hand Here, Shapes, Lines, and Light, Dad Bakes, and Everything Naomi Loved. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her family.

To learn more, visit www.katieyamasaki.com.

Instagram

MY REVIEW

Some books you read and move on from… and then there are the ones that kind of stick with you in a quiet way. Ripplesby Katie Yamasaki is definitely one of those for me.

It’s such a simple story on the surface… a kid and Aunty Koko out on the river… but it feels really peaceful and intentional, like one of those slow days where you actually notice everything around you. You can almost hear the water and feel the sun, which I loved. Nothing feels rushed. It just lets you be there with them.

As they float along, you start to see little glimpses of other people nearby… families, neighbors, just everyday life happening along the river. That part really got me, because it made everything feel connected without making a big deal about it.

And then the story gently shifts. You realize they’re not just out there to enjoy the day but that they’re also cleaning up the river. It’s handled in such a natural way, not preachy at all. Just… this is something we take care of because we love it. And when other people start joining in, it really hits that idea of how small actions can spread.

That “ripples” idea is honestly what stayed with me the most. Like how one small, good thing can lead to more good things, even if you don’t see all of it. It’s a really comforting thought.

The artwork is also just beautiful… bright, warm, and full of life. It pulls you right in without feeling over-the-top. Everything about the book feels calm but meaningful at the same time.

Overall, this is one of those books I’d read on a quiet day, maybe with a kid or even just by myself. It’s gentle, thoughtful, and kind of grounding in a way I didn’t expect.

It doesn’t try too hard… and that’s exactly why it works.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Wednesday, April 22, 2026
The Children’s Book Review
Tour Kick-Off for Ripples

Wednesday, April 22, 2026
@pieladybooks
Instagram Post about Ripples

Thursday, April 23, 2026
The Starlit Path
Instagram Reel about Ripples

Friday, April 24, 2026
The Fairview Review
Book Review of Ripples

Monday, April 27, 2026
Deliciously Savvy
Book Review of Ripples

Tuesday, April 28, 2026
icefairy’s Treasure Chest
Book Review of Ripples

Wednesday, April 29, 2026
@thechildrensbookreview
Instagram Reel about Ripples

Thursday, April 30, 2026
Country Mamas With Kids
Book Review of Ripples

Friday, May 1, 2026
Glass of Wine, Glass of Milk
Book Review of Ripples

Monday, May 4, 2026
Crafty Moms Share
Book Review of Ripples

Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Froggy Read Teach
Instagram Post about Ripples

Thursday, May 7, 2026
Q&As with Deborah Kalb
Author Interview with Katie Yamasaki

Friday, May 8, 2026
@meghenslittlelibrary
Instagram Post about Ripples

Monday, May 11, 2026
My Reading Getaway
Book Review of Ripples

Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Cover Lover Book Review
Book Review of Ripples

Thursday, May 14, 2026
Mrs Makes Reading Fun
Book Review of Ripples

Monday, May 18, 2026
@nissa_the.bookworm
Instagram Post about Ripples

Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Jena Benton
Author Interview with Katie Yamasaki

Thursday, May 21, 2026
One More Exclamation
Book Review of Ripples

NOW TO THE GIVEAWAY!

Readers who join us on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win one of ten hardcover copies of Ripples by Katie Yamasaki. One grand prize winner will receive a hardcover copy of Ripples, a double-sided Ripples poster, and hardcover copies of five of Yamasaki’s other beloved picture books—Dad Bakes, Place Hand Here, Everything Naomi Loved, Mural Island, and Shapes, Lines, and Light.