Thank you, Omu!

by Oge Mora

Hardcover, 2017

Status

Available

Collection

Publication

New York ; Boston : Little, Brown and Company, 2017.

Description

When the aroma of Omu's homemade stew fills the air, her neighbors arrive, one by one, for a taste until all is gone except for her generous spirit.

User reviews

LibraryThing member AbigailAdams26
Omu cooks her delicious red stew all day in this delightful debut picture-book from author/illustrator Oge Mora, generously offering a portion to everyone who follows their nose and knocks on her door. When she finally reaches her own dinnertime however, she discovers that there is nothing left in
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her big pot. What will she do? Fortunately, her generosity finds its response in the people with whom she has shared, people who want to say: "Thank You, Omu!"

Omu, which apparently means "queen" in Igbo, the language of Oge Mora's parents, is a wonderful exemplar of generosity and kindness, qualities which are amply repaid in this story. The narrative is simple and repetitive, structured in a way that reminds me of various folktales I have read over the years, and which would make for an excellent read-aloud, I believe. The artwork, done with cut paper and collage, is charming, capturing the reader's eye with its bright colors, and keeping her attention with the many little details. I appreciated the story here, and the fact that everyone in the community, from vendors to police officers, is welcome. Recommended to anyone looking for new picture-books about generosity and gratitude.
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LibraryThing member thornton37814
Omu made a stew. Throughout the day people drawn by the smell knocked on her door, and she shared. When it was time to eat her meal, none was left. When another knock came, Omu went to the door to say there was no more stew, but instead those with whom she shared had brought a meal to share with
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her. The illustrations are nicely done.
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LibraryThing member villemezbrown
This nice story about communities and sharing is a bit too gentle and predictable for my tastes. I'm not usually a fan of collage art, but it wasn't bad here.
LibraryThing member kodonnell
This is a book about a woman who helps those around her by sharing her food and then receives help in return. It would be best used in a younger English class I think, but has a beautiful message for all. It shows that to get you must also give, and good things come to those who put out good. Those
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are both strong messages for young readers.
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LibraryThing member Leamoore
Thank you, Omu! is a delightful picture book about the wealth that comes from sharing with your neighbor. As Omu supported her community by feeding everyone, she got in return admiration and gifts of her own. I think this book could be good to read when setting up classroom rules and expectations.
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I also learned that Omu means queen an Igbo, the popular dialect in Nigeria, and that also really piqued my interest in this book as well.
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LibraryThing member jennybeast
Generosity and red stew make community happen in this lovely picture book.

Awards

Caldecott Medal (Honor Book — 2019)
Nebraska Golden Sower Award (Nominee — 2021)
Monarch Award (Nominee — 2021)
Kentucky Bluegrass Award (Nominee — Grades K-2 — 2020)
Ohioana Book Award (Finalist — Juvenile Literature — 2019)
Coretta Scott King Award (Winner — 2019)
Charlotte Zolotow Award (Highly Commended Title — 2019)
Anna Dewdney Read-Together Award (Honor Book — 2019)
Floyd's Pick Book Award (Winner — 2020)
Ladybug Picture Book Award (Nominee — 2019)
Ezra Jack Keats Book Award (Winner — New Illustrator — 2019)
E.B. White Read-Aloud Award (Honor Book — Picture Book — 2019)
Friends of American Writers Award (Juvenile Book — 2019)
Great Reads from Great Places (Rhode Island — 2019)
Notable Children's Book (Younger Readers — 2019)

Language

Original publication date

2018-10

ISBN

0316431249 / 9780316431248

Barcode

38

Lexile

L
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