Under One Roof by Miranda Paul and Baptiste Paul, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal; Clarion Books, 2026.

Under One Roof by Miranda Paul and Baptiste Paul, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal is a soothing, rhyming picture book that can be read aloud to young listeners at bedtime as well as in school settings to shine a light on family nighttime experiences that, though they may be different from the ones with which we are familiar, also share commonalities.

Why this book? Why will it matter to kids?

We experience the need to be wrapped in calming thoughts and routines as nighttime approaches and we ready for bed. This book affirms the comfort we receive from our families and from nature at night, and opens the way for listeners to come to realize that although nightly routines and experiences may vary, the desired outcome of reassurance and security connects us; “and inside our hearts, love is holding on tight when or wherever we whisper good night.” (Under One Roof)

Why read aloud?

We settle into a safe space as we gather to share a book. As we reflect, exchange thoughts, and explore concepts, we are building background knowledge—and community. When read-aloud sessions are routine, children become comfortable voicing their perspectives. They grow in active listening skills and learn to respect the thoughts, feelings, experiences, and beliefs of others. When we (educators, parents, and caregivers) select age-appropriate, length-appropriate stories based on needs and abilities, we offer children the opportunity to see themselves, see others, find validation, and contemplate solutions to conflicts and challenges that they may not have considered.

Read-aloud sessions are inclusive: there is no reading skill or level barrier, and learning obstacles are mitigated by preparation prior to reading the book aloud. In a read-aloud session there is immersion as well as the comfort of distance from the challenges the characters encounter.

Reading aloud engages listeners, offering a positive, secure, stress-free “learning without struggle” experience grounded in a book, the value of which cannot be overestimated.

“You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, or who had ever been alive.” ~  James Baldwin

Levels and Layers of Learning

Grade level: Pre-K–Grade 2

Social-Emotional Learning Themes

Acceptance, connection, courage, creativity, curiosity, dedication, diligence, effort,  empowerment, encouragement, fortitude, friendship, generosity of spirit, gratitude, hope, inspiration, integrity, kindness, perseverance, persistence, perspective, relationship skills, resilience, resourcefulness, respect, responsibility, self-assurance, self-awareness, self-reliance, social awareness, tenacity, understanding

Content Area Connections: Social-Emotional Learning; Family; Community

Using This Book in the Classroom

Hit the Ground Running Ready Resources for Educators, Homeschoolers, and Parents

Learn more about Miranda and her books.

Learn more about Baptiste and his books.

Baptiste’s name is pronounced BAP-Tee-East.

Write Away! Ideas to prompt writing

Reading,  writing, listening, and speaking form the core of literacy. In robust literacy instruction we aid students in strengthening the connections between these fundamental processes. Shared reading—and dynamic conversations about text—strengthens reading skills and leads to meaningful writing. Multiple strategies are employed in the process of gaining meaning from reading (background knowledge, text structure, sequence, detail, cause and effect, visualization, summarizing, synthesizing, perspective, and more) and we utilize these strategies in the process of writing. Reading skills support writing, and writing skills support reading.

“[There is} a deep connection between how students read, write, and communicate, and how they develop socially and emotionally.”  ~  Justina Schlund, Director of Field Learning for CASEL

Describe the bedtime routine under your roof.

Which illustration in the book is your favorite? Why?

What is something new to you in this book, something you never thought of before?

Why do you think the authors chose to title the book, Under One Roof?

Writing prompts inspired by Miranda’s and Baptiste’s answers to one of the interview questions:

If you could change one thing in this book, what would it be and why?

Describe what it looks like under your roof at nighttime in two sentences. Can you make them rhyme?

 Illustration © Christopher Silas Neal

Poetry Break Related poetry to recite before or following the reading of this book

Poetry breaks fit perfectly into the framework of the school day. These brief moments can signal change, smooth or frame transitions—from beginning or ending the day to lining up for lunch; from zipping up backpacks and jackets to shifting from one subject to the next. Poetry breaks can reset mood or tone, providing a moment to pause, reflect, and breathe. Reading a poem aloud typically takes less than a minute, yet it can introduce or reinforce a concept, provide clarity, celebrate language, exemplify rhythm, enhance vocabulary, expand understanding, increase attention span, initiate reflection, spark imagination, or simply summon a giggle. And, poetry soothes and strengthens the spirit.

“Poetry builds resilience in kids and adults; it fosters Social and Emotional Learning. A well-crafted phrase or two in a poem can help us see an experience in an entirely new way.” ~  Elena Aguilar

Poetry Collections with Nighttime or Bedtime Themes

• Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Rick Allen
• The Dream Train: Poems for Bedtime by Sean Taylor, illustrated by Anuska Allepuz
• Go to Bed! A Book of Bedtime Poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins, illustrated by Rosekrans Hoffman
• Night Garden: Poems from the Word of Dreams by Janet S. Wong, illustrated by Julie Paschkis
• One Minute Till Bedtime: 60 Second Poems to Send You Off to Sleep selected by Kenn Nesbitt, illustrated by Christoph Niemann

 Make poetry part of every learning day! National Poetry Month in the US is celebrated in April, and this year is the 30^th anniversary of what is the largest literary celebration in the world. Throughout the month, readers of all ages, families, educators, booksellers, publishers, and—of course—poets, make a point to mark the importance of verse in our lives. Find a variety of resources to celebrate poems and poets including Poem in Your Pocket Day (April 30) and sign up to receive a free National Poetry Month poster.

Recently Released Poetry

• Consider the Lilies by Jennifer Grant, illustrated by Julianna Swaney
• The Flag We Love by Pam Muñoz Ryan, illustrated by Ralph Masiello
• For the Win: Poems Celebrating Phenomenal Athletes selected by Irene Latham and Charles Waters
• Goldfinches by Mary Oliver, illustrated by Melissa Sweet
• Melodies of the Weary Blues: Classic Poems for Young People by Langston Hughes, compiled by Shamar Knight-Justice; illustrated by 23 artists
• Monarch and Mourning Cloak: A Butterfly Journal by Melissa Stewart, illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen
• Poems for Every Season: A Year of Haiku, Sonnets, and More by Bette Westera and Henriette Boerendans, translated by David Colmer
• Thank You, Sun by Douglas Florian

Recently Released Novels in Verse

•  A Year Without Home by V. T. Bidania
• Glory Be by Jamie Sumner
• Hattie Mae Begins Again by Sharon G. Flake

Previous Children’s Book Corner posts featuring books of poetry:

• 40 Poems for 40 Weeks
• Leafy Landmarks: Travels with Trees
• Write! Write! Write!

And Then There’s This…
Enrichment activities, related books, online resources, craft projects, and ideas for further study

Find resources for teachers for Miranda’s books on her website.

Book Collection Suggestions

Reading multiple books on a topic allows for deeper understanding and connection. Students’ knowledge base expands, comprehension increases, critical thinking sharpens, conversations deepen, and writing becomes more meaningful.

 Dolphin Statue in Santa Barbara, CA, host of the first Earth Day in 1969

Earth Day is celebrated this year on April 22. Find activities, events, and resources to celebrate and learn more about its origin and history on these sites:

• https://www.almanac.com/content/earth-day-date-activities-history
• https://www.farmersalmanac.com/what-when-earth-day-quiz-activities

A Select List of Recently Released Books Centering on the Environment and the Natural World:

• 10 Small Things I Can Do to Help My Planet by Melanie Walsh
• Growing Together by Ruth Spiro, illustrated by Paola Escobar; the joys of participating in a community garden
• Is It Spring? By Kevin Henkes; classic Henkes; ideal for the youngest of listeners
• Just One Oak by Maria Gianferrari, illustrated by Diana Sudyka
• Leave the Trees, Please by Benjamin Zephaniah, illustrated by Melissa Castrillón; lyrical message
• More Than a Tree by Sarah Kurpiel
• The Mother Tree by Sybil Rosen, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
• Our Green Planet by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe, illustrated by Kim Smith; ideal for upper elementary students
• The Dream by Gideon Sterer; illustrated by Nik Henderson; wordless fantasy
• The Weedy Garden by Margaret Renkl, illustrated by Billy Renkl; fabulous perspective in the illustrations; great message of mindfulness and awareness of our natural surroundings
• You Are the Land by Steph Littlebird; explores the connection between humans and the natural world

See also previous Children’s Book Corner posts featuring books with Earth Day-related themes:

• Trouble Dog: From Shelter Dog to Conservation Hero
• Leafy Landmarks: Travels with Trees
• This Is the Tree We Planted
• The Pie That Molly Grew
• How to Read a Rock: A Graphic Novel on Ocean Science

Have a title to suggest? Scroll down to add it in the Comments section at the end of this post.

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Meet the Authors

Miranda Paul is an award-winning author of more than twenty fiction and nonfiction books for children. She has received starred reviews and Junior Library Guild distinction for several titles, including One Plastic Bag, Water is Water, I Am Farmer, Nine Months, and Little Libraries, Big Heroes. Her book, Whose Hands Are These? was an ILA Teacher’s Choice and her edited poetry collection, Thanku: Poems of Gratitude, was an ALA Notable title for all ages. She visits schools and libraries around the world and is a co-founding member of We Need Diverse Books and a literary agent for Aevitas Creative Management. Visit Miranda’s website to learn more.

Baptiste Paul is the award-winning author of several books for children. Some of his titles are The Field, To Carnival, I Am Farmer: Growing an Environmental Movement in Cameroon, Peace, Climb On, Dear You Dream Big, Adventures To School, and Under One Roof. His works have garnered many starred reviews from Kirkus, Booklist, and School Library Journal. Several titles have been translated into multiple languages. He loves writing stories inspired by his childhood in Saint Lucia. In addition to being an author, he’s a lot of things: a dad and a sports fan (he loves soccer). He enjoys sharing his island culture and Kweyol/Creole language with anyone who will listen. He also enjoys roasting his own coffee and cocoa beans. When he’s not writing or hiking, he upcycles wood pallets into planters and wooden floors, to name a few. He lives and works in the US now, but he will travel just about anywhere to talk about his books and St. Lucian culture as long as there is a way to get there. He considers himself a transient nomad by design. To learn more about Baptiste, please visit his website. 

Backstory: Q & A with Miranda and Baptiste Paul

Read on to meet Miranda and Baptiste Paul and learn about the making of Under One Roof, the warm and reassuring new book they have co-written.

Judy Bradbury: Tell us about this project: What seeded its creation?

Miranda Paul: Being a working parent (and having a working parent growing up), you spend many nights away from loved ones. We’ve had family and friends have to be separated temporarily and permanently from loved ones as well. It can be hard! But it is a shared experience—having to sleep away from the people you love, or having to lay down your head in an unfamiliar place for a time. But there are many devices and ways we can stay connected in this modern world, and remind us there’s a giant roof (the sky) over us all. The idea that the night sky is a roof over all our heads is comforting, I think. Learn more in answer to this question in the Authors’ Notes in the back matter of the book.

Baptiste Paul: For me, the answer to this question is simple. The idea of family, or what constitutes being a family, was the driving force behind this project.

JB: How did you decide on rhyming text?

MP: The text is ultimately a bedtime book and a lullaby. Having a rhythm and song-like quality makes a lot of sense to deliver the soothing atmosphere we were going for. The repetition of the meter also showcases that while every household and family is different, there is something that makes them all united or similar.

I’ve also written a number of other books in rhyme that have resonated with readers (Speak Up, Nine Months, Water is Water, Peace), and wanted to offer another.

BP: There was a lot of communication between us while we were working on this book. Since this was not our first book together, we talked openly, like we had done many times in the past, about all the projects we had previously worked on. And the choice was clear from the very beginning that this book would be in rhyme because of our targeted audience —very young kids.

JB: You co-wrote the text for this picture book. Tell us about a challenge you faced in the creation of Under One Roof, or provide a memorable (or humorous!) anecdote related to the writing of the book. 

MP: Originally, we wrote this book years ago, but our publisher passed on it without really giving feedback as to why. While it was frustrating, we didn’t give up hope and we sent the exact same book to our publisher (and others) years later and ended up selling it, at auction! Sometimes, timing is everything and so much is out of our control.

BP: Hmmm… I would say the wait. We both loved Christopher Silas Neal’s illustration style, but there was one problem— his calendar was full. And since we thought he was the perfect match, we waited until he had an opening on his calendar to illustrate this book.

JB: What is one unexpected joy that came from the creation of Under One Roof?

MP: Seeing the illustrations for the first time and how beautifully Christopher Silas Neal captured the original vision. It still brings me joy to see the aurora on the page with the sailboat; I often “chase” aurora the past few years and love seeing the Northern lights, and I also sail!

 Illustration © Christiopher Silas Neal

BP: For me, there was none at all. The one thing that stood out the most was how Christopher Silas Neal highlighted the diversity of what families look like through his illustrations.

JB: What is your favorite illustration in the book? Why?

MP: While I do love the spread with the Northern lights, I also am in love with the spread with Mom and the dog. I’ve been fostering animals from the Humane Society for years, but some very special dogs really do make cuddling at night really cozy.

 Illustration © Yas Imamura

BP: My favorite illustration is on the page where the text reads:

Surrounded by chirping, one family lies by the glow of a campfire beneath a big sky.

This spread brings back happy memories of camping with kids. I sat and stared at that page for several minutes every time I open this book, and the feeling of being in nature with my kids draws me back to all the good times we had by a campfire.

JB: What would surprise readers to learn about you or about the writing of Under One Roof?

MP: Every spread or situation in the book is a lived experience (by us) or a close friend or family member. As I mentioned before, being separated from loved ones or having to sleep under an unfamiliar roof is a very universal experience.

JB: Who do you perceive your target audience to be for this book and why?

MP: Everyone, really. Grandparents, parents, children themselves (of course). I think it will resonate significantly with families who have had to move frequently, children whose parents are separated or divorced, international families, and those who travel often for work or pleasure. If you’ve ever missed someone at night, this is the book that pays homage to that experience and also wraps readers in the warm hug that the sky is still the same roof we’re all under. It’s just one of those beautiful bedtime books that anyone can cherish.

BP: I would say very young kids and their parents for sure. As a parent myself, I remember the days when my children were very young, and all I needed was a quiet book to read to them after a long workday. Under One Roof is the book for those parents like me.

JB: What do you hope young listeners / readers will take away from Under One Roof?

MP: When I was young, I watched a movie called An American Tail. I don’t remember a lot about it, but I remember that there was a song called “Somewhere Out There” that made me feel comfort—the song taught me that no matter how far away someone was, we’d still be looking up at the same sky and be together again one day. I suppose I’d like readers to take away that same sense of comfort that I got all those years ago, thinking about the sky as  being the same roof over everyone I loved.

BP: I hope that my young audience sees and appreciates everything that makes their family unique and special. Honestly, I do hope that this is something they appreciate because family is much more complex than being blood-related.

JB: How do you see Under One Roof connecting to curriculum or being used in learning settings?

MP: Children often learn about families around the world or in different kinds of housing. This book would pair well talking about bedtime routines, or comparing and contrasting (and celebrating!) all types of families. It could also be used in conjunction with a pen-pal or sister-school program, where technology or letters are used to communicate between students who are far apart from each other.

BP: I believe one way this book could be used in connection to curriculum would be any unit that talks about family. I know that the topic of family is explored in schools around the country. I do know that every family is different. I hope that this book serves as a great resource for teachers as they explore the topic of family with students.

JB: If you could ask your young audience one question, what would it be?

MP: What does it look like under your roof at nighttime?

BP: The one question I would ask my young audience is: If you had to change anything about Under One Roof, what would it be?

JB: What project(s) do you currently have on your desk?

MP: I’m waiting to see illustrations for my next picture book biography, which is about the incredible poet and children’s author Lucille Clifton. We also have a book out soon that celebrates the wonderful stuff on our heads—hair!

BP: The current project that I’m excited to share is my forthcoming picture book titled This Is My Family. This book is slated for a 2027 release. This book tackles an important question that is not talked about too often — homework inequality.

JB: What is one question you wish I had asked, and what is your answer?

MP: What is my favorite constellation?

Answer: Delphinus!

BP: Did you always want to be an author?

Answer: Absolutely not. Although I loved reading books, I did not know any authors, and none ever came to my school. So the thought of being an author never crossed my mind. I had no idea when I was young that people actually made a living doing this job.

Meet the Illustrator of Under One Roof

The illustrations for this book were created by award-winning picture book author and illustrator Christopher Silas Neal. In addition to Christopher’s website you can find him on Instagram and BlueSky.

Other Books by Baptiste and Miranda Paul

Other Books by Baptiste Paul

Other Books by Miranda Paul

Sidebar Spotlight New releases of note

Each month I receive several boxes of books for review from various publishers. As I read and peruse the books, I place them in two piles: those that I will consider featuring on the blog, and those that don’t fit the theme of Children’s Book Corner blog for whatever reason. Ultimately, I choose the one new release I will feature on my monthly blog post. Yet there are many terrific books I wish I could give a shout-out to, even if I can’t write an entire post about each one. So I highlight those books on most Mondays on Instagram and Bluesky.

Sidebar Spotlight is a means of giving a nod to new releases that, in my opinion, are noteworthy. I’ve linked each title to Bookshop so you can learn more. Happy reading, friends! And feel free to comment on these or other new books in the Comments section at the end of this post.

Arthur’s Cat by Johan Leynaud translated by Sarah Ardizzone is a funny, pitch-perfect read-aloud choice about an endearingly rambunctious boy and his independent, aloof, but lovable feline. This book is certain to be chosen for multiple re-reads, and chances are very good that the reader will enjoy these multiple experiences with Arthur and Zeffo as much as the one being read to.

Consider the Lilies by Jennifer Grant, illustrated by Julianna Swaney is a rhyming color concept book featuring flowers and the idea that we grow where we are planted. This is the second book in the Consider series offering a gentle message of God’s love. A recommended choice for Easter baskets and for welcoming Spring. 

Forty the Fortune Teller by Drew Daywalt illustrated by Kevin Cornell is a winner. Daywalt makes books kids LOVE. He offers positive, humorous, entertaining, kid-centric experiences in books that beg to be read aloud. Here a playground is the setting for an adventure in fortune-telling and includes directions for how to make a fortune teller on the flyleaves. Pure fun! Grades 1-3.

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News, Updates, & Items of Interest

Author Kevin Kurtz has written and narrates a short video for kids, teachers (and anyone else who wants to watch) that explains the process of researching and writing nonfiction. Check out the Children’s Book Corner post featuring Kevin and his book, How To Read a Rock: A Graphic Novel on Ocean Science.

Read Out Loud with KidLit TV features a six-minute read-aloud by educator David Feinstein of The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, filmed at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.

Children’s Book Week, established in 1919, is a celebration of books and the connection they bring. It takes place May 4-10, 2026! The 2026 Children’s Book Week Poster has been created by Grace Lin to celebrate curiosity in light of this year’s slogan: Books: Get Curious! (a fitting theme for this month’s featured book, Cecilia Payne!) Sign up to receive two free copies of the poster and to be updated on additional free materials as they become available. Visit the Every Child A Reader website to learn more about free materials, resources, and activities.

I’m looking forward to participating in Family Literacy Night with the Lockport Central School District students and families, taking place on April 21st.

I’m also looking forward to participating in Independent Bookstore Day at Alice, Ever After Bookstore.

Find more information about where my books and I will be on my Events page.

You can find me online at Instagram, Bluesky, and LinkedIn where I post about books, book-related items of interest, Little Free Libraries, and occasionally travel (on IG). Connect with me there!

I am currently booking school visits and professional development sessions for the Spring/ Summer 2026 and the 2026-27 school year. Find information and contact me to discuss a visit tailored to meet your school’s needs.

Photo credit: Jody LaRose

Readers Theater with props! Cayuga Island Kids, The Adventure of the Big Fish by the Small Creek

Small and large group presentations

A note  received following a recent school visit:

Thank you so much for coming to meet with my students. You were wonderful, answering their questions and explaining how you wrote the book. We all loved it! Here are some illustrated thank you notes the students made for you. Thank you again!

And here’s a note I received after presenting “SEL-Related Children’s Books with Curriculum Tie-Ins” to teachers and librarians of Grades Pre-K—Grade 6:

Thanks so much for presenting! I heard wonderful things about your workshop! One person mentioned to me that you were so organized and passionate. They also loved seeing all the children’s books you brought with you!

Find my books packaged as a series at your favorite bookseller. Individual titles are also available in hardcover, softcover, and e-book versions.

Kindness tip: If you read and like a book, consider posting a review on GoodReads, social media, or on Amazon (if you bought it there). Authors and illustrators appreciate the shout-out. Even a one-sentence comment increases visibility of a book. Also consider placing a request with your local library to purchase a copy–another free way to support a book you recommend!

Over to You…

Join the conversation! Offer your thoughts related to this month’s post in the Comments section below:

What picture book about nighttime and bedtime routines stands out to you? Share the titile, author, and suggested age or grade range.

You are also welcome to post a general comment.

Thanks for sharing!

Final Thought

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