About the Book
When Paloma feels lonely, a boy named Noah and his cat Mitzvah teach her the power of kindness and community--one wagon ride at a time. A heartwarming story celebrating friendship, Jewish values, and acts of loving-kindness. A Heartwarming Tale of Kindness & Inclusion
When young Paloma, and her dog, Bucket, feel, lonely after her best friend moves away, she meets Noah--a thoughtful boy walking with his cat, Mitzvah, in a charming little wagon. As the two bond, they prove that friendship knows no bounds: dogs and cats (and kids, too!) can mix when guided by empathy and warmth.
Noah, who wears a kippah and gently introduces Paloma to the meaning behind his cat's Hebrew name, symbolizes generosity and cultural richness. Through small acts--offering rides, helping neighbors carry groceries, inviting others to picnic--he shows how kindness builds community one thoughtful step at a time.
-Bright, Diverse, Joyful Illustrations
Katrijn Jacobs brings this inclusive neighborhood to life with vibrant colors and energetic detail. From close-ups of animal cuddles to scenes of multigenerational gatherings and grocery runs, every page celebrates community and connection.
- Praise for Noah and Wagon
Kirkus Reviews calls the book "a message about the importance of community, gently imparted with love".
Booklist praises the books warm depiction of how "building community one act of kindness at a time" transforms loneliness into belonging.
A Foreword INDIES 2022 Finalist for Picture Books, the story touches on universal values and the simple power of caring.
- Exclusive Premium Content in the Softcover
This softcover edition includes added premium features not found in the hardcover:
"Behind the Story" Author Notes -- Insights from Jerry Ruff on what inspired Paloma, Noah, and their journey.
Illustrator Sketches & Commentary -- A peek into Katrijn Jacobs' creative process and artistic choices.
Conversation Starters & Activity Prompts -- Thoughtful questions and fun activities to help families and classrooms explore themes of empathy, diversity, and community-building.
- Ideal for Young Readers & Educators
Designed for ages 4-6 (Preschool-1st Grade), Noah and His Wagon is perfect for:
Bedtime snuggles that warm the heart
Classroom read-alouds and values-based discussions
Social-emotional learning modules focusing on empathy and friendship
- Why Choose the Softcover Edition?
While the hardcover delivers the charming story and vibrant art, only the softcover edition offers added materials that deepen connection and engagement:
Author & Illustrator Insights - Hear from the creators themselves.
Sketches & Inspiration - Visual exploration of the art's evolution.
Guided Discussions & Activities - Spark empathy and inclusivity in kids.
Invite kindness into your home today--choose the softcover with premium content for a richer reading adventure.
About the Author :
Jerry Ruff was an American author, editor, and educator. Upon his retirement in 2020, he devoted his time to writing children's picture books, poems, blogs, and short stories. Since Jerry's unexpected passing in March 2021, his family has collaborated to share this publication, celebrating Jerry's creative spirit and legacy. Katrijn Jacobs is a Belgian illustrator, visual arts teacher in secondary education, and mother of three children. In 2018, she graduated from the Municipal Academy of Fine Arts in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium. While illustrating, Katrijn likes to experiment with different tools, techniques, and surfaces. Her goal is to give color to the world through her drawings.
Review :
"How will Paloma cope when her best friend, Emily Rose, moves away? Mamá goes to work and leaves Paloma in the care of boring babysitter Jasmine. But a walk with Paloma's dog, Bucket, will soon change everything. Jasmine, Paloma, and Bucket spot a boy pulling a wagon with a sleeping cat. Paloma greets him in Spanish. The boy introduces the cat as Mitzvah and asks if the dog wants a ride, and Bucket jumps right into the wagon and curls up next to the cat. The boy, Noah, tells Paloma that his cat is named for the Hebrew word for commandment, and about his headgear, a kippah. Paloma tells him how her dog was named for the bucket in which he was found. As they join forces, it becomes clear that Noah, a newcomer, has already befriended several people in the neighborhood and extended kindness to them. Though Paloma still thinks of Emily Rose, now she's not alone; she has Noah and more new friends. Ruff's simple, endearing tale is filled with relatable characters, brought to life in Jacobs' brightly hued, detailed, highly energetic art. Friendship and tender acceptance surround Paloma, who is Latine with dark skin and curly, dark hair; Noah, light-skinned, brown-haired, and cued as Orthodox Jewish; Jasmine, who has tan skin and a brown ponytail; and a neighborhood of diverse people. A message about the importance of community, gently imparted with love."-- "Kirkus Reviews"
"Paloma is lonely and glum after her best friend moves away. While on a walk around the block, the child offers a friendly smile and says hola to a boy pulling a little red wagon. Noah invites Paloma's dog, Bucket, to join his cat, Mitzvah, for a ride. Paloma's babysitter's remark, "Dogs and cats don't mix," is proven false when the pets quickly curl up next to each other. Realistic conversations flow naturally between the children as they become acquainted, swap stories, and answer each other's questions. Paloma notices Noah's genuine gestures of thoughtfulness and the meaningful connections he makes with people of all ages in their neighborhood. Full of movement and activity, Jacobs' detailed illustrations show many scenes of amiable hospitality, from Noah's helping hand as he loads bags of groceries into his wagon to an impromptu picnic in the park with new friends. As she follows Noah's convivial lead, Paloma's social circle happily expands. A warmhearted picture book about building community one act of kindness at a time."-- "Booklist"
