More or Less

(Illustrated by Oge Mora, Little, Brown, 2025)

* July/August 2025 Kids Indie Next list

Celebrate the power of living more sustainably, simply, and generously in this inspiring visual adventure. A heartening story that illustrates for the youngest readers how less can be MORE: more space for living, loving, and knowing that we already have PLENTY.

Brought to life in intricate collage by award-winning artist Oge Mora, More or Less takes the meaning of “reduce, reuse, recycle” into the realm of community-building and the cultivation of kindness and meaning.

School Library Journal (May/25): The story opens and closes with the word “plenty,” emphasizing not just material abundance but the richness of love, generosity, and belonging within his diverse family. A gentle yet powerful book that introduces the young to sustainability and community-building, while offering a message that resonates well beyond its intended audience.

Booklist (June/25): This deceptively simple text demonstrates ways to be a good steward of the earth and our communities, while guiding even the youngest readers to reflect on what is truly valuable.

Horn Book Review (July/August/25): With just a handful of words (mostly more or less), six or fewer on a spread, Hughes tells a complete and satisfying story, perfectly complemented by Mora’s reliably warmhearted and enriching cut-paper illustrations.

Alison Hughes