Book Review: All Are Welcome

The best children's books combine creative illustrations with a meaningful story that carries an important message.  Alexandra Penfold's All Are Welcome certainly achieves that objective and has become one of the most popular picture books since its debut in 2018.

The story takes place at school where children from all backgrounds are enjoying a day of learning.  Throughout the book, we see beautiful images of children smiling and playing with one another even though they each have cultural, physical or family differences.  Suzanne's Kaufman's brilliant illustrations pair perfectly with Penfold's mantra: "You are safe here.  You are welcome here."

All Are Welcome is a powerful children's book that is very topical given today's current political climate.  As such, the New York Times Best Seller makes our list of best children's books about diversity and inclusion.

Diversity and Inclusion

All Are Welcome is one of today's most celebrated children's books about diversity and inclusion.  The story's primary message is all about accepting the differences of others which is highlighted, not only within the text, but the illustrations as well.

Penfold's message, "all are welcome here," is delivered throughout the entire book and brought to life by Suzanne Kaufman's art.  Each page features children of different races, religions, and body types all engaging one another in a harmonious environment.  It's a beautiful setting of the better world we should all strive to achieve.

The inclusive theme of All Are Welcome is incredibly relevant amidst today's society and serves as an excellent introduction to the topic of diversity for younger children.  The age appropriate poem allows for productive conversation with children 4 to 8.

Back to School

The author uses the perfect back drop for her story by placing the children together at school.  This relevant setting for preschool and elementary age children makes this a great back to school book to help get kids excited about learning.

Penfold's enthusiastic promotion of accepting each other's differences is the perfect message to start off a new school year.  We listed All Are Welcome as one of our favorite back to school children's books.

Friendship

Blended within the main message of diversity and inclusion is the theme of friendship.  Throughout the book, we see colorful images of children enjoying recess and working together happily at a science fair.  No matter each student's background, they show they can have fun together.

Teachers of preschool and elementary classrooms will particularly enjoy the hardcover edition of All Are Welcome.  The book jacket doubles as a fun poster that contains all of the students featured within the book.