Sarabeth’s Garage by Canadian author Melanie Florence is a thoughtful and affirming picture book that celebrates independence, curiosity, and the courage to follow one’s own interests – even when they challenge long-held expectations.

Sarabeth loves cars. She delights in their sounds and personalities: engines that roar like lions or purr like kittens, sports cars that race like cheetahs, and sturdy SUVs that lumber along like elephants. Florence’s playful language captures the sensory joy of machines through a child’s eyes, transforming grease and engines into sources of wonder rather than mess.

Much of Sarabeth’s happiness comes from helping her father in his garage, a space that represents encouragement, learning, and belonging. Here, Sarabeth is free to explore what excites her, gaining confidence and skill alongside her dad. The garage stands in contrast to the expectations held by Sarabeth’s grandmother, who believes little girls should play with dolls, wear dresses, and keep their hands clean. Her disapproval reflects familiar generational ideas about gender and propriety – ideas Florence addresses with empathy rather than judgment.

When the grandmother’s car begins to fail, it is Sarabeth’s knowledge and passion that save the day. This pivotal moment gently challenges assumptions and opens the door to understanding, allowing her grandmother to reconsider what it means to support a child’s interests.

Melanie Florence, a member of the Pasqua First Nation, is a celebrated voice in Canadian children’s literature. With Sarabeth’s Garage, she once again delivers a story that encourages young readers to embrace who they are, while inviting adults to reflect on the expectations they pass down – and the possibilities that emerge when those expectations change.

Just the Facts

Sarabeth’s Garage
By Melanie Florence and Illustrated by Nadia Alam
Published by Tundra Books
Suitable for ages 3-7 | 40 pages | $24.99 Hardcover
Available on amazon.ca and Indigo/Chapters
Released on February 10, 2026

Other books by Melanie Florence

The One About the Blackbird • Missing Nimâmâ • Stolen Words