Noah and His Wagon

by Jerry Ruff, Katrijn Jacobs (illustrator)

Paloma feels lonely after her best friend moves away. Then she meets Noah, who’s out with his wagon. Joining him, she learns that being kind is the best cure for loneliness.

A warm story of friendship, generosity, and feeling at home in a neighborhood.
For children ages 5 years and up.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Friendship

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 11, 2022

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Noah, a young boy with a red wagon in which a cat is riding, befriends Paloma, who is mourning the loss of her best friend, who has recently moved away. The cat, Mitzvah, along with Paloma and her dog, Bucket, accompany Noah as he travels through the neighborhood, helping others, including an elderly woman carrying groceries. Even though Noah has only recently moved into the area, he seems able to spread sunshine and compassion everywhere he goes. And by the time Paloma goes home, she doesn't feel as alone as she did that morning. Now she has a whole community around her. She only had to look a bit to find them. The stylized artwork contains smiling children's faces and images of their furry friends. This one will warm readers' hearts while reminding them that small acts of kindness go a long way, rippling outward in a positive way. Even the back stories of the animals reveal compassion toward others. Add this one to a collection centered around kindness or how one person can make a difference.

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noah and his Wagon affirms the value of neighborliness. Noah, the new kid in the neighborhood, uses his wagon to cart his cat around and help neighbors who are carrying things. His actions have a ripple effect resulting in a new friendship and the cheering up of a lonely child. Readers perceive the impact of small actions and the value of loving one's neighbor.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much happening in this neighborhood, but thanks to outgoing Noah, Paloma feels less lonely after he introduces her to a few neighbors. Somewhat drab illustrations seem to emphasize Paloma’s melancholy mindset.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paloma is sad after her best friend moves away. Then she meets Noah and his wagon...

Connections can be made with something as simple as a kid and his wagon.

[Carlos · Rating 4 out of 5]

On appreciation, kindness and sharing. Busy (but enjoyable) art style and illustrations.

[Tracy Mabry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations!
Culture, loneliness, friendship, kindness!

[Julie Ditton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This sweet simple story shows children that small acts of kindness can have a big effect. Noah likes to travel around the neighborhood with his cat Mitzvah riding in his wagon. A mitzvah is to do something good or kind, and Noah likes to help people. After he meets a young girl who is missing the best friend that just moved away, they come across others in the neighborhood helping each in turn. He carries an old lady's groceries in his wagon. They cheer up a sad youngster in the park when she shares her cookies with the children. By the end of the book the lonely girl has a whole neighborhood of friends.