Together

As School Library Journal mentions, this book was obviously created as a promotion for Heifer International, but that doesn't mean it was poorly done. Besides, there aren't a lot of organizations nearly as suited to a story for children than Heifer Intl. When reading this story out loud, it does feel a bit long, but the preschoolers I read it to loved it, and joined me in reciting each pages' "Giving to me, giving to you, together there's a lot we can do." The story begins with illustrator Oliver's vibrant rooster crowing in front of a beautiful mountain backdrop. The accompanying text sets the tone for what follows: "'Cockadoodle doo!' the rooster crows. He wakes up all his friends. Giving to me, giving to you, together there's a lot we can do." Readers journey through life on a farm and see the different animals that participate and how they all cooperate to provide food and clothing to a community. It's a sweet, reassuring story that reminds readers that even seemingly small contributions (like eggs) are very important in the larger scheme of things. The book's value comes in the way it explores cooperation, charity, and community. It's a great conversation-initiator and is without that typical "let's feel sorry for the poor people in the world" tone that other writers sometimes fall into. Rather, Tokunbo writes in a straightforward way, without sentimentality. Oliver illustrates with a gentle hand and the pictures are rich but not overly detailed. All in all, I highly recommend this book as a charming introduction to an organization that's making a big difference in communities near and far. It would make an excellent jumping off point for preschoolers to learn how they can help people in their own small ways.