GIVE THIS BOOK AWAY!

A meta-narrative about sharing love, rooted in the tangible.

The endpages include the words “This book belongs to” and multiple lines below for readers to write in their names, an enticing way to lay out the challenge issued in the title. (A caveat for library borrowers will help ensure that the book returns to circulating shelves.) As a pensive-looking Asian-presenting child finishes reading a book, an unseen narrator offers commentary: “Seriously, find someone you’ve NEVER talked to before. And hand them THIS book”—words that may worry caregivers and prompt a discussion about conversations with strangers. With guidance from an adult, though, some of the suggested outcomes around community-building and connection could come to fruition: “There could be giggles. There might be hugs (ask first)." At one point, the narrator instructs readers to hold up one of the spreads (“THIS IS FOR YOU!”) before giving the book away. Even though it’s just a few big words on a page, it really feels like a celebration and hug, showing that it takes very little to make someone’s day. The narrator urges readers not to stop at giving away this book; kids can also give their time or their words—suggestions that will be especially appreciated by those with less tangible items to offer. Digitally rendered illustrations in muted hues of green, purple, and blue set a reassuring tone as they bring to life a supportive and diverse community. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Accessible, convincing, and sweet.