June 14, 2019
On Fridays I link up with Susanna Leonard Hill’s amazing group of authors and children’s literature bloggers and bring you a book too good to miss!
My choice this week . . .
The New Neighbors
By Sarah McIntyre
Publisher: Penquin Workshop, 2018
Ages: 3-7
Themes/Topics: Understanding, prejudice, humor
Opening Line:
High on the roof, above the city, Mr. Pigeon had the latest news.
Brief Synopsis: Rats were moving into the first floor of the building! “YIPPEE!” The bunnies were thrilled! “Oh no!” The other residents were not so sure. As they gather together to meet their new neighbors, tension builds. What they will find behind the rat’s door? It isn’t long before they realize new neighbors can be much different than you think. In fact, they can be just the neighbors you’d love to have. A light-hearted but powerful message to help put prejudice and judgements aside.
Why I Like This Book: It’s funny—you’ll laugh outloud! It’s fast paced—a real page turner! The characters have spunk and personality and are brought to life by the side conversations sprinkled throughout the story. The bright, splashy illustrations of author-artist Sarah McIntyre is charming. The message isn’t in your face . . . but you won’t miss it!
Links to resources: Check out more of Sarah’s books. There are LOTS! Her books have been translated into over twenty-five different languages!
More picture books that spark conversations on prejudice for young children.
At home or at school, this book would make a great puppet show or reader’s theatre! Older kids would have fun adding their own characters to the story. This DIY hand puppet tutorial is easy and uses a basic fold for just about any animal puppet. Works especially well for the animals in this story and all you need is markers, scissors and paper.
For more perfect picture books and accompanying resources, check out children’s author, Susanna Leonard Hill—the brainchild of this awesome idea! Teachers, parents, gift-givers, grandparents, writers and anyone else that finds a picture book good company will be delighted to find books listed alphabetically and sorted by theme for easy reference. Thanks, Susanna!
Karen Condit/Children's Author 
Oh my gosh, how cute! I’m adding this book to my library wish list and hope they have, or can bring in, a copy of this book. Great review!!!
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Glad you found it helpful, Leslie. I added it to my library, too!
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WOW! This looks amazing! The illustrations, the treatment of a very important subject matter, everything. Can’t wait to read this. I just put it on hold at the San Francisco Public Library. They’ve got 7 in circulation and another 7 on order. Yay!
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Glad you could find a copy, Jilanne!
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Looks like fun!
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It is . . . and thoughtful!
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I really like PBs that feature animals when dealing with tough subjects like prejudice and differences. This sounds like a winner.
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Great one for conversations. Thanks for checking in Patricia.
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Karen, this sounds like a really cute book. Thanks for reviewing it.
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Glad you stopped by, Maria.
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This looks like a perfect book to read aloud. And a story we can all identify with.
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You’re right, Sue, it is a great read aloud and I could find myself in the characters.
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Love the cover and who wouldn’t be just a tad mortified having rats as neighbours. But I love that this clearly lets you know that not all as it seems and never judge a book by it’s cover.. 🙂
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Exactly, Diane!
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