Thank you, Omu

Author & Illustrator: Oge Mora

I can smell Omu’s Red stew – Out the window, Out the door , down the hall, toward the street, around the block, through the pages and just like her many neighbors, even I feel like knocking on her door. This book is celebration of food, community and sharing. It reminded me of growing up in India and my great grandmother cooking/sharing her stuff with the rest of the community. Food is a great unifier and this book is a refreshing read at a time in the world where more and more people are feeling lonely. It is a straightforward message that needed to be said and it is depicted deliciously.

 

Thank You, Omu! (Caldecott Honor Book) - Mora, Oge

Every Dog in the Neighborhood

Author: Philip C Stead

Illustrator: Matthew Cordell

When we got books from the library the last time, we did not get to this book for a while as I prioritized read the books with the medals and honors. Oh! How wrong I was. This book turned out to be one of the most enjoyable. A kid with a mission and his grandmom with a mission of her own. Dogs of all shapes, sizes and family situations. More importantly, with some really nice names – Wilbur, Orville , Thelonious, Monk , E.B . Mr. Stead beautifully blends Grandparent love with civic action.  Does the ending of the book leave room for a sequel?

 

 

Every Dog in the Neighborhood by Philip C. Stead