Today’s Perfect Picture Book was named as a favorite recent picture book in a writing workshop in which I’m participating. I had seen it in a favorite local bookshop and wondered what the fuss was about. Then I spied it front and center in Books of Wonder in New York City. After scrolling through it, I knew that I had to read it and share it with you.
Title: The Wise Pickle
Written By: Sarah Howden
Illustrated By: Sabina Hahn
Publisher/Date: Tundra Books/2026
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: pickles, philosophy, end-of-life, humor, questions, wisdom, old age, death
Opening:
The neighborhood changed when the pickle arrived.
It flew down from the clouds, or so it was said.
Brief Synopsis: When a pickle lands in a neighborhood, the resident animals question it about its origins and future.
Links to Resources:
· Make refrigerator pickles at home;
· Check out these resources to help discuss death and dying with young children;
· Ask an older family member or friend about their life, their dreams, and their expectations as they age;
· Enjoy these cucumber craft ideas.
Why I Like this Book:
With humor and heart, Howden explores questions of life and death from the perspective of a pickle. But not just any pickle. This pickle can see, talk, and engage with a variety of small animals that reside in a city or suburb.
As the menagerie of unnamed animals gather around the new arrival, they pose questions and cater to the cucumber’s needs. The cucumber can engage with others, after all, but it is unable to move on its own.
I particularly enjoyed one question posed by an earthworm, “Why are we here?”. The wise cucumber’s answer? “I used to think I was meant to be a tasty snack. But now I am here, talking with you. Purposes can change.”
Indeed, purposes and life changes for all of us, including young children. Even if they are not shriveling in the sun or becoming less physically fit, most if not all children experience the aging of family members, neighbors, and other seniors. What a wonderful resource to help children process the idea of aging and end-of-life concerns.
Set primarily against white backgrounds, Hahn’s illustrations help readers empathize with the pickle – the eyes, particularly as the pickle shrivels in the sun, appear to grow larger. In one emotion-filled scene, a tear seemingly falls from one eye – or is the pickle merely shedding moisture as it shrivels?
Whether read in a classroom or at home, The Wise Pickle is a picture book sure to stay with readers young and old as we contemplate our lives, purpose, and the end of life.
A Note about Craft:
An unnamed, shriveling pickle conversing with a menagerie of five unnamed small animals on a sidewalk. Definitely not the typical picture book topic or format. Even the beginning breaks rules. “The neighborhood changed…” [emphasis added]. How did it change? What was it like before the change? Neither the pickle, nor Howden say. And who said the pickle flew down from the sky? Again, neither the pickle nor Howden provide an answer. Even without posing questions, Howden poses questions at the outset, prodding readers to think about the wisdom of this unnamed pickle and ponder big questions in our own lives.
This Perfect Picture Book entry is being added to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book list. Check out the other great picture books featured there!
Wander, Ponder, Write 