Can I Sit Here? is a great book that takes you through London’s first day at a new school, with all the thoughts, anxieties, and joys that come along with it. London feels alone/lonely, but her mom reminds her that God gives us courage. As she falls asleep, she imagines herself practicing being brave, and places herself in other children’s shoes (maybe they are also alone? Etc.). She finds another little girl sitting alone and decides to introduce herself.

Spoiler alert: She makes a friend!

Recommended for ages 4 to 7

Thank you to NetGalley, Tyndale House Publishers, NavPress, Healther Thomspn Day and London Marei Day (authors), and Kate Herbert (illustrator) for this free, advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I have mixed feelings about this book. Loved the topic and thought it was important. Unfortunately, public school libraries usually don't buy books that refer to God. But that is the exact setting where children should read this.

This book immediately draws you in with its gentle storytelling and expressive illustrations, but it doesn't stop at surface-level charm—it invites deep empathy and reflection. Can I Sit Here? captures a universal experience: that moment of feeling left out or unseen. Through its pages, children are not only able to name those hard emotions but also imagine what it’s like to be in someone else’s shoes.

What makes this story powerful is how it flips the script—from feeling powerless to realizing the power we each have to show kindness, to make room, and to be a friend, even when others don’t. It's a quiet call to courage, rooted in the reassuring truth that we are never truly alone—and that we are deeply loved and liked by God.

Our kids gave it two solid thumbs up. Our 7-year-old called it “a good book,” and our 9-year-old said it was “cool.” Simple words, but with the kind of sincerity that says it all.

A beautiful read that lingers long after the last page.

A short and sweet read that’s good for children that are starting a new school and have to make friends again. Teaches children to find courage and persevere even after failing initially, this will be relatable for many children and families.

Sometimes making new friends can be scary for kids who find themselves struggling to fit in. Author Heather Thompson Day and her daughter, London Marie Day, have written a picture book to come alongside hurting kids and show them that they’re not alone. With God’s help, they can overcome difficult moments and build new friendships.

Can I Sit Here? was a wonderfully surprising book. What started out as a worthwhile exploration of one child's feeling of loneliness and embarrassment on her first day of school shifted seamlessly into that same child's process of turning her gaze outward and thinking of others. Being reminded of how loved she truly is encourages her to consider the feelings of children besides herself who may be feeling lonely. Rather than stewing on her own loneliness, she looks outside of herself, and learns that you can be thoughtful and kind to those around you even when you are feeling left out. Chances are, you are not the only person who is feeling lonely or sad, and you can be the friend that somebody else needs. I really liked the gentle turning points of the book, and how the character grew so much, even in a tale of such brevity.

A nice book for young elementary age students and a reminder that making friends is not easy for everyone. A good reminder for adults, too.

This book was a sweet tale about how hard it can be being the new kid and trying to make friends. The way she found her way through her own determination and faith was nice. I’ll definitely be recommending this book to my friends who have children!!