Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (Our World Is A Family) through Raincoast Books. Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so, and is so much appreciated. 
Our World is a Family in someways feels like a very Canadian book, one that warmly welcomes people who have come from away into our land. A land that recognizes the pain of having to leave your own land and come into a new one that can be bewildering. In this full-colour picturebook, let’s learn how we can help our new neighbours, truly become a part of our global family.
What I am Looking at Today
Published by Sourcebooks Explore, this lovely picture book of 32 pages is an encouraging read for your youngest readers. Our World Is a Family: Our Community Can Change the World came to me by way of Raincoast books as an ARC copy. You’ll find it at your local store or on amazon in hardcover form. Authored by Miry Whitehill and Jennifer Jackson with pictures by Nomar Perez. Geared for children who are 3-8 years old.
Our World Is a Family, the details
People immigrate for a whole variety of reasons, but the reasons focused on in Our World is a Family are the sad ones. Perhaps there’s war, natural disasters, or has become dangerous in other ways. They need to leave their home and start a new home. And new homes can be scary. How can we help them feel less scared? That’s the point of this lovely picture book.Â
But even if the reason for leaving is a challenge, it’s still hard to leave, to miss friends, or maybe special belongings. How can we make them feel welcome? How can we help to fill that hole in their heart? Come and get some ideas won’t you?Â
While you are doing so, take in the vibrant colours, and the wide variety of people seen. From skin colour to clothing styles, and even to language spoken. We are given a front door to people from all over the world and it’s just so fun. Really. Don’t you find it interesting to observe other cultures up close? And here we have a chance to do so right in our own neighbourhoods!Â
The text is straightforward and encouraging. A good amount of white space showcases the text, written with the sole purpose of opening eyes to the new people around us. Don’t you find it so easy to not really understand?Â
I know I don’t think about the refuge children missing their toys, or their parents struggling to find new work, or even the difference in bird calls. So much is different for new immigrants, it’s hard to comprehend just how much they need to grieve the loss while celebrating their safety. So why not do the small things, invite over for a cup of tea, or to have fun at the playground,
Add to your shelves?
Oh, I do like this book. I like that children are helped to understand that sometimes people come here from difficult situations. I would have loved to have seen a broader scope, such as people coming because they want to, not just because they have to. But the way the difficulties were presented was good even for sensitive readers.Â
Our World is a Family takes a fantastic view on immigration, showing both sides of the equation. I love how this builds understanding between cultures. I love how Nomar Perez uses his artistic skills to help tell the story, showing proper emotions for the different circumstances. His illustrations bridge the gap between words and experiences, bringing a deeper understanding.Â
How to use
I can see this book used in many different ways.
- understanding immigration/emigration. People leave their homelands for a variety of reasons, this book gives a good jumping-off point.
- having a “let’s know/help our neighbours” attitude. Again, a good start to a brain-storming session with children of all ages. How do YOU think we can help our neighbours? Â
- Social studies: a window into cultures from around the world. What people groups wear turbans? Who might live in a dry region? What differences between our culture and ______ can you find?Â
- Understanding the emotions of immigration and then how to help new immigrants.
- What ways can YOU think? Â
This looks like a lovely book to help youngsters understand more about immigration. Sometimes the political sphere really messes up what immigration is about for so many. Honestly, though, none of us would be who we are if we did not have an immigrant somewhere in our own family past.
I thought it an excellent book.