Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore
Prose to the People

Thank You, Omu!

In this cozy, sweet story perfect for fans of Last Stop on Market Street as well as for the Thanksgiving season, a generous woman is rewarded by her community. A Spanish edition, ¡Gracias, Omu!, is also available.

Everyone in the neighborhood dreams of a taste of Omu’s delicious stew! One by one, they follow their noses toward the scrumptious scent. And one by one, Omu offers a portion of her meal. Soon the pot is empty. Has she been so generous that she has nothing left for herself?

Debut author-illustrator Oge Mora brings to life a heartwarming story of sharing and community in colorful cut-paper designs as luscious as Omu’s stew, with an extra serving of love. An author’s note explains that “Omu” (pronounced AH-moo) means “queen” in the Igbo language of her parents, but growing up, she used it to mean “Grandma.” This book was inspired by the strong female role models in Oge Mora’s life.

More Juvenile, Under 7 Books

  • In The Wolf, The Duck & The Mouse, a mouse discovers that being swallowed by a wolf isn't the end of the world when he finds a duck already living comfortably inside. With delicious food, elegant table settings, and the joy of dancing, the duo learns to enjoy their unexpected situation—until a hunter threatens their newfound happiness. This charming tale by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen offers a whimsical perspective on cooperation and creative cuisine.

    Read More about "The Wolf, The Duck & The Mouse"...

  • In The Year of the Buttered Cat, Lexi Haas, a brave teenager with a complex past, faces a pivotal moment as she counts down to a risky brain surgery that could change her life. With a determination to find her "missing" body and reconnect with her friends, Lexi embarks on a heartfelt journey filled with friendship, loss, and self-discovery, echoing the empowering themes found in Wonder by R.J. Palacio and Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper.

    Read More about "the year of the buttered cat"...

  • In Twenty Questions, acclaimed author Mac Barnett invites readers to explore the playful and profound nature of questions that spark curiosity. Through a whimsical narrative paired with vibrant illustrations by Christian Robinson, the book encourages speculation and imagination, demonstrating that not all questions have definitive answers, and some lead to endless possibilities.

    Read More about "Twenty Questions"...

  • We Dream A World is a heartfelt picture book by Yolanda Renee King, honoring her grandparents, Coretta Scott King and Martin Luther King, Jr. Inspired by her family's legacy of civil rights advocacy, the book serves as a powerful call for unity and equality, encouraging young readers to embrace their role as change-makers for a better future.

    Read More about "We Dream A World"...