Sunday, February 26, 2012

Recomended Picture Book: Around Our Way On Neighbors' Day by Tameka Fryer Brown



Title: Around Our Way on Neighbors’ Day
Author: Tameka Fryer Brown

Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 08/01/2010

Suitable for: ages 4 – 8 years

Themes/Topics: neighborhood appreciation, neighbors, friendship, multicultural, diversity

Opening:
“Blue sky, no clouds,
Summer heat, side street,
Whirling, whizzing feet.
Everyone is out to play
Today, around our way…”

Synopsis:
Neighbors gather on a hot summer day for a joyful block party: Kids play double Dutch; men debate at the barber shop and play chess; mothers and aunts cook up oxtail stew, collard greens, and other delicious treats; and friends dance and sway as jazz floats through the streets.

A rhythmic tale that celebrates the diversity of a close-knit community, Around Our Way on Neighbors’ Day will excite readers and prompt them to discover the magic of their own special surroundings.

Links to resources:

Why I like this book:
It is so nice to see a book that shows a positive image of a diverse urban neighborhood. Ms Brown really did a wonderful job making this a fun and rhythmic story. The words danced and bounced on the page right along with the illustrations. I really liked how I was introduced to everyone on the block and allowed to partake in the different activities! I cracked up when all was fine and dandy until mama’s kitchen mishap! I guess the book reminded me of the good ole days when community was everything. Everyone came together to share in good times. Another great thing about this book is, it can be used in the classroom year round! Its applications are diverse. It can be used to study poetry, foster or enhance a discussion on diversity, encourage community both in and outside the classroom, types of art, and so much more.

For a complete list of books with resources that engage, educate and entertain, visit the blog of author Susanna L Hill.

1 comment:

Mia said...

I love books that show an old fashioned neighborhood party. Thanks so much for linking up to the Multicultural Children's Book Day. I'm also pinning to our board.