This week we have a book recommendation from our new Wednesday librarian, Ms. Jill Leibowitz.  Her choice is All Are Welcome, a beautiful new picture book by Alexandra Penfold, illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman.

Follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where kids in patkas, hijabs, and yarmulkes play side-by-side with friends in baseball caps. A school where students grow and learn from each other’s traditions and the whole community gathers to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

All Are Welcome lets young children know that no matter what, they have a place, they have a space, they are welcome in their school.

A note from Ms. Leibowitz:  “There are many wonderful new picture books to choose from but one title that stands out is All are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman. A typical school day provides the backdrop for the story and the vibrant illustrations show students eating their lunch, playing on the playground and learning together.  The lighthearted rhyming text is punctuated by the repetitive phrase “all are welcome here”.

“This book is one to share at home and in our classrooms. My hope is that this crucial message reaches all the students in our school.   All are Welcome is a welcome addition to our library collection.”