Zohran Walks New York

This playful picture book debut from Von Platen takes inspiration from the 13-mile summer 2025 Manhattan campaign walk of mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. As thin-lined, bold-hued illustrations nod to the look of Mamdani’s much-buzzed-about political poster design—a palette that draws from New York City’s visual culture of bodega signs and yellow cabs—the subject affably strolls, cheers, and occasionally boogies through the city, wearing the same slightly rumpled black suit, blue tie, and blue sneakers. Minimalist text refers warmly to “Zohran’s city” (“In Zohran’s city, there are new things to do at every crosswalk”), but what emerges in this fond portrait is a bustling metropolis that belongs to all. There, “everyone is always on the move” (Mamdani greets folks beneath an elevated train), but it’s also okay to “slow down and listen” (he sits on a park bench, sipping from the classic New York coffee cup). Even readers beyond the five boroughs will recognize the figure as someone who loves where he lives and believes that every interaction matters. Back matter includes more about the featured locations. Ages 4–8. (Oct.)