As a huge fan of Alexandra Penfold’s and Suzanne Kaufman’s All Are Welcome and Big Feelings, I was excited to see this continuation in their series. All Are Neighbors, published by Alfred A. Knopf in 2022, takes us out into the wider world. A new family moves into a neighborhood and begins to explore. The story opens with the question “What is community?”
The first answer to this is “It’s a place for you and me.” Alexandra Penfold leads the reader (through the new family on the block) on a journey to discover how community can be for everyone and that we all belong. Her wonderful rhyming verses include instructions for making friends: “A friendly smile, a friendly face/Helping hands, just in case”.
Suzanne Kaufman’s illustrations continue to be vibrant, fun, and inclusive. Children of all colors, abilities, genders, religions, and cultures are represented. Families are shown in all kinds of combinations (different genders, different colors, single, multi-generational, etc.). I especially love the fact that the neighborhood car repair shop is Diane Automotive, run by a woman, and that there are children drawn non-binary in gender.
A book to share, a community to celebrate, and a spirit to promote everywhere. (Kirkus reviews).
If only more people could behave in the kind and welcoming manner of this fantastic picture book, our world would be such a better place. A must-have for your kidlit collection.
Marti Johns 