The Brothers Zzli

By Alex Cousseau

A moving allegory of immigration and hospitality.

One day, the brothers Zzli come to the doorstep of a little girl named Welcome. Welcome has plenty of room in her big, empty house, and the travelers--who have come from far away--make good pancakes and even better company. But others in the forest find this new family strange, even dangerous. When the bears invite their neighbors to a big party, only
Welcome's friend the bat shows up. Soon after that, a policeman knocks on their door, threatening to destroy the brothers' beloved beehives. Maybe Welcome and her friends need to find someplace that might accept three bears, a bat, and a girl like her: somewhere to call home at last.

With charming, delightful illustrations reminiscent of vintage children's classics, The Brothers Zzli invites readers to join a bear family's search for belonging in a world that views them with suspicion. This poignant story will spark lasting conversations about the impact of prejudice, the struggles of refugees, and the responsibility we have to our neighbors--especially the new ones.

The Children's Book Council Teacher FAVORITES List 3rd-5th Grade (2024)

Foreword Reviews INDIES Book of the Year Award in Picture Books, Early Reader Finalist (2023)

Albertine The Prix Albertine Jeunesse 6-8 Years Old (2024)

Mississippi Children's Museum Magnolia Book Awards Pre-K - 2nd Grade Nominee (2023)

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802856098
• ISBN13: 9780802856098
• Release Date: October 2023
• Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 8.8" x 10.6"
• Age Range: 6 to 10 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 5