Book Review #119

Thank You, Omu!

Author: Oge Mora
Illustrator: Oge Mora
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780316431248
Reading Level: Ages 4–8

Main Character:
Omu, a kind woman whose delicious stew draws her neighbors to her door.

Plot:
Omu makes a pot of thick stew. The smell drifts through her community, and one by one, neighbors come knocking. She generously shares a portion with each visitor until the pot is empty. When dinner time arrives and Omu has nothing left for herself, the neighbors return, this time bringing food for her.

Settings:
A lively urban neighborhood filled with people who look out for one another.

Genre/Theme/Style:
Realistic fiction celebrating gratitude, generosity, community, and the joy of giving.

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars?
It is a great November story. Kids see kindness in action, feel the warmth of community sharing, and learn that giving often circles back in unexpected ways. The collage-style artwork brings the scenes to life with texture and color that feels comforting and rich.

Critical Analysis:
Mora’s storytelling is gentle and rhythmic, making it easy for young readers to follow. The repetition of neighbors arriving at the door builds anticipation, while the final act of gratitude teaches kindness. Her collage illustrations, layered paper, paint, and patterns to create a vibrant visual world that mirrors the book’s theme of gathering and togetherness.

Connections:
This book pairs well with November lessons on gratitude and thankfulness. It can lead to classroom or library discussions about helping others, sharing what we have, and noticing the kindness in our own communities. Children can create their own “acts of kindness” lists, write thank-you notes, or even design collages inspired by the artwork.