Bloomsbury Australia

February 2019

RRP: $14.99

I deliberately saved this one to time with Harmony Day since it is a perfect expression of what we want to convey to our children as they grow up in a world where so many adults are blindly ignorant of the true meaning of one humanity. What I didn’t expect was that this review would come hard on the heels of one of the most heinous acts of butchery in the name of that hate-fuelled blindness so close to home.

 Kia Kaha, Christchurch –we stand with you.

This delightful book follows a diverse group of children through their school day reiterating that all are welcome despite their various races, religions or backgrounds. With lilting rhymes the children embrace each other whether they are listening to stories, making art, playing or learning each spread repeating the refrain that ‘All are welcome here.’.

The brightly coloured illustrations show children from many different backgrounds and include both adults and cultures in likewise fashion.

Children will love the pure joyousness of this as a read-aloud or to savour themselves.

We’re part of a community

Our strength is our diversity

A shelter from adversity

All are welcome here

It’s my thought that perhaps we should send a copy to our governments and let them take note of what we want for our communities and our children.

Highly recommended for all from about four years upwards.