This book is about an older lady Omu, who shares her soup with everyone until she runs out, but then all the people from her neighborhood bring her dinner and eat with her. I think that this story would be good for younger elementary students, maybe as a read aloud, and could help with ideals like sharing.

From Kirkus: "A lovely story of giving and community founded in Nigerian culture. Delectable."

This book walks through a day with Omu making her soup for dinner. Many people come by and ask her for some. She shares with them but runs out of soup for herself at the end of the day. She hears a knock at the door and all the people she shared with are there with something for her. This book could be great for 1st and 2nd graders as a read-out-loud. A lesson on what it means to be in a community with others and share. Also, because the pictures are so detailed, you could also talk to students about making a picture book with pictures that add details, or if this was turned into a no-picture book, what details could be added for the book to make more sense?

Omu, an older woman, makes a stew for her dinner then sits to relax. People smell the wonderful stew and she does not hesitate to share with all of them, but when it comes time for her dinner it's all gone. But then there is a knock at the door and everyone she fed has returned and brought food and gifts and they have a wonderful dinner together. This is a great book about sharing and community and the power of sharing food to bring people together. It would be a great book for kids who are learning about sharing or having trouble with sharing. It would be great for kids who love food or want to be cooks or chefs. The author's bio in the back honors the importance of her grandmother in her life. This brings an additional element of value of the book for children who have a grandmother as an important figure in their lives.

"Omu" means queen in Nigerian. But for the author, it meant Grandma. This story is one that resonated with me on so many levels.

It's the story of a grandmother making a thick red stew that smells divine. As people come to her door, from a young boy to the hot dog vendor, she shares her soup. But when it is time for her to eat, there is none left. Yet the lives that she has impacted show up not to take but to give to her.

Why did I love this story? Well, I adore food. Cooking is my passion. And it is my Nana who taught me to cook. The memories I have of her involve the kitchen in some form or other. So reading this book took me back to my growing up years. "Thank You, Omu!" is also a collage form of illustrations made my acrylic paint, china markers, pastels, patterned paper, and old book clippings. The artwork is definitely the right medium in which to tell this story.

Around this time of year, I start paying attention to the rumblings around Caldecott and Newbery Awards. My hope? "Thank You,Omu" deserves a place in the Caldecott.....most likely as an honor. It ticks all the boxes. ( )