Mrs. Harkness and the Panda

Reach for this book when your child is facing a task that feels impossible or when they need to see how grief can be transformed into a meaningful mission. It is a beautiful choice for children who feel discouraged by setbacks or who express a deep, protective love for the natural world. Through the true story of Ruth Harkness, children learn that bravery isn't the absence of fear, but the willingness to keep walking through it. Set in 1936, the story follows a dress designer who travels to the mountains of China to complete her late husband's dream of finding a giant panda. While it touches on themes of loss and the physical toll of exploration, the narrative focuses on Ruth's resilience and her eventual success in bringing a baby panda to America. The stunning watercolor and collage illustrations provide a calming, sophisticated backdrop for a story about grit and global discovery.