The power of connection and being with others is so important and has been so needed during a pandemic. These books for kids about togetherness and connecting with others shine the light on this need most of us have in our lives.
Children’s Books About Connecting with Others
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Tomatoes for Neela by Padma Lakshmi is the story of a mother and daughter cooking family recipes together to bond and connect with each other and their past. Recipes for tomato sauce and tomato chutney are both included at the back of the book.
This book is also a Family Dinner Book Club Pick. Use the conversation starters (printable below) and the themed menu from Chef Sarah Elizabeth (coming soon).
The Way to Treasure Island by Lizzy Stewart is the story of a father and daughter on a treasure hunt. Matilda and her dad are best friends, but they are completely different. However, each of their strengths compliments the others making for truly adventurous memories. Turns out sharing experiences with others can be even more meaningful than attempting them alone.
The Whole World Inside Nan’s Soup by Hunter Liguore is a conversation between child and grandparent about everything that goes into a pot of soup. From the seeds that grow the vegetables to the workers that carry those vegetables to the market. It takes the connected world to make it all come together.
The Big Book of Belonging by Yuval Zommer is all about the wonderful connection between humans and the natural world. Connect with nature and explore how connected we each feel afterward.
Chik Chak Shabbat by Mara Rockliff is the story of Goldie Simcha who makes her wonderful cholent for neighbors each week to celebrate Shabbat. But, one day Goldie is ill and unable to send the aromas of cholent throughout the apartment building. Her neighbors come together to bring cultural dishes to the table that are reminiscent of the ingredients in cholent. It’s a wonderful story of diversity, being a kind neighbor, and savoring time.
The All-Together Quilt by Anne Rockwell is the story of a community coming together to create a quilt.
Dinner on Domingos by Alexandra Katona is a lovely pick. Celebrate family centered around a Sunday meal in this warming and yummy read-aloud. The author’s note includes background information about the author’s family moving from Ecuador to Michigan. There is also a recipe for the family’s traditional Ecuadorian locro.
A tradition that many families have for staying connected is family reunions. Chad and Dad Richardson brings us Family Reunion which is the story of a boy being nervous about attending a family reunion but experiencing a pretty amazing family connection with generations of family members. This one would be great to pair with The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant.
Saturday by Oge Mora is the story of a young girl and her mother who only get Saturdays to spend the whole day together so they like to plan special things to do with each other. However, on this particular Saturday, it seems like their plans are going to be spoiled. But, we discover that as long as they get to be with each other that is all that matters.
When we are born, our circle is small. But, as we grow our circles become wider. Brad Montague in The Circles All Around Us encourages us to show love and kindness to continue to build and widen those circles.
There is something pretty amazing about intergenerational connectedness. In Something About Grandma by Tania de Regil we meet a girl staying with her grandmother without her parents in Mexico City. Together they have a beautiful time and eventually reunite with a new member to the family.
We can still be connected with those who live across the world. Grandpa Across the Ocean by Hyewon Yum showcases a grandson and grandpa finding common ground when their worlds seem so different.
Friends for over 50 years, Rosemary Wells and Jerry Pinkney joined together to bring us The Welcome Chair.
The story begins with a wooden rocking chair made in the 1800s made by Well’s great-great-grandfather, an immigrant who made his way from Germany to America. The chair passes from generation to generation and Wells imagines all the families who may have sat in it. It’s a fictional story based on family history that symbolizes immigration to America. A wonderful book to be used with older students.
Put down the devices and connect at the table in Our Table by Peter H. Reynolds. We all long for connection and coming together at the table for a meal is one of those ways to connect. This really is one that will stick with the adults.
The Little House of Hope by Terry Catasús Jennings is the story of the people in a small house that offers a safe place to those that need it. It’s a story of immigrants helping immigrants find their new footing in a new place.
Lola always says, “If you want to hold on, you gotta sing your songs.” And, that’s just what Lola’s granddaughter remembers when it is time to help Lola in Holding On by Sophia N. Lee.
Printable Book List of Books About Togetherness
Grab a printable book list and conversation starters. Just click the purple rectangular button below.
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