PICTURE BOOK SHOWCASE:

Selma by Tini Malina,
Translated by Tammi Reichel
North South, 2026
A story about a stellar spider.

I saw this book at my library and gasped! I immediately picked it up. To be honest, it was the name on the cover that first caught my attention because my mom’s name was Selma.

My mom was a first-generation American. Her father—my grandfather—was born in Syria. She hated the name Selma and preferred to be called Sam. I’m sorry she isn’t alive to see that there is now a wonderful picture book with her name on the cover!Selma by Tini Malina is about a spider who reaches for new heights and refuses to follow the status quo. Selma dares to go beyond what others think is possible and discovers that there’s nothing wrong with reaching higher and following your own path.It’s a beautiful story about individuality, creativity, and believing in your own potential. And for me, it’s even more special because of the name on the cover.

This is definitely a book I think you should read!

I’m giving away one FREE copy of Selma.