Celebrating Generosity, Gratitude, and Community
The fall harvest season and the many holidays observed at the end of the calendar year provide us with opportunities to build community within our families and beyond. All too often, however, our focus turns to gift-giving, meal-planning, and the frenzy that holidays can create, distracting us from how important it is to slow down and spend time with the ones we love. The books selected this week focus on simple acts of generosity and gratitude that build community.
Joyful Reading!
My Heart Fills with Happiness
Written by Monique Gray Smith, Illustrated by Julie Flett
This powerful book for little ones (and a reminder to adults), celebrates the simple things that bring us joy. Monique Gray Smith’s text, written in first person, explores the many ways, “My heart fills with happiness when . . . I see the face of someone I love . . . I dance . . .,” and much more. Julie Flett’s warm illustrations reinforce the simplicity of these everyday pleasures, featuring modern-day Native children and adults. The final spread asks, “What fills YOUR heart with happiness?” inviting readers to explore and share their own experiences.
Orca Book Publishers provides dual-language editions of the book in English and Anishinaabemowin and English and Plains Cree.
Thank You, Omu!
Written and Illustrated by Oge Mora
2019 Caldecott Honor
2019 Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Illustrator Award for New Talent
2019 Ezra Jack Keats Illustrator Award
Set in an urban community, Omu (pronounced AH-moo) prepares thick red stew for her evening dinner in her small apartment. The scent of the stew wafts out into the neighborhood drawing many of her neighbors and community members (a little boy, police officer, hot dog vendor, and many more) to her apartment to find out what smells so “scrumptious.” Omu offers each visitor a bowl of stew, which everyone enjoys. When Omu is ready to sit down for her dinner, the pot is empty, and for a moment she is sad. Then there are knocks on her door, and all the people who shared her stew earlier in the day bring her a feast, and everyone eats, dances, and celebrates in community. Oge Mora’s rich text which features many words to describe the stew (delicious, scrumptious, yummy, tasty, delectable) is accompanied by richly layered collage illustrations that capture Omu’s bustling, multicultural neighborhood. An author’s note provides insights into how Nigerian culture and the generosity of her grandmother and other women in her life served as inspiration for the book.
Last Stop on Market Street
Written by Matt de la Peña, Illustrated by Christian Robinson
2016 Newbery Medal
2016 Caldecott Honor
2016 Coretta Scott King Honor Book for Illustrator
Young CJ and his grandmother make their way home on the city bus after attending church. The young boy peppers his grandmother with questions from the simple, “why does it have to rain?” to deeper questions about why he does not have things that other children do, and why their neighborhood has more trash and is not as nice as other neighborhoods on their bus route. CJ’s grandmother responds to each of his questions with an optimistic response that provides new ways for CJ to experience and appreciate “beautiful where he never even thought to look.” Christian Robinson’s vibrant illustrations reflect the energy and complexity of multicultural urban life, richly complementing Matt de la Peña’s text, contrasting the beauty and grit of the city, with moments of community and connection.
A short video with Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson provide insights into creating the book.
Enjoy this video of Matt de la Peña reading the book with children on a city bus. KCKPL’s Stories on the Bus: Matt de la Peña reads Last Stop on Market Street
Beyond the Books
As adults, we are always concerned about the well-being of the children in our lives. In our complicated, often challenging world, it can be difficult to step back and appreciate the big “little things” that the books in this post honor. As we approach what is often a hectic time of year, slowing down and expressing gratitude can reduce the stress of holiday planning and expectations. Practicing Gratitude Can Benefit Kids’ Mental Health and Seven Ways to Foster Gratitude in Kids provide concrete ways to practice gratitude with children.