A young boy tells readers of the many events that he and his community are having where “Everyone’s invited!” A party, a concert, a sports day, and a street festival—individuals and families diverse in many ways all show up to have fun and be kind, including the narrator and his Mum and Mumma.
There’s a clear pedagogical intent here as we read lines like, “Light skin, dark skin, disability or not,/No one’s left out—they really are not!” but the lessons are lightened with verses that tell of characters like “Timbo Tunny who’s incredibly funny,” “Tilly Tumper a fine high jumper,” “Lilly Lone and her large trombone,” and more.
This rhyming book is more a series of snapshots than a plot-driven tale, but offers plenty of opportunities for young readers and their adults to talk about what brings people together, what obstacles can keep some from full participation, and how to remove those obstacles so that everyone is indeed welcome.
Backmatter offers support for such conversations, with “Activities to Promote Inclusion and Diversity” and “Discussion Questions for Parents, Caregivers and Educators.”
