Thank You, Omu! (Caldecott Honor Book) by
A Caldecott Honor Book 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. Don't miss Saturday, also written and illustrated by Oge Mora!
Saturday by
In this warm and tender story by the Caldecott Honor-winning creator of Thank You, Omu!, join a mother and daughter on an up-and-down journey that reminds them of what's best about Saturdays: precious time together. Today would be special. Today would be splendid. It was Saturday! But sometimes, the best plans don't work out exactly the way you expect.... In this heartfelt and universal story, a mother and daughter look forward to their special Saturday routine together every single week. But this Saturday, one thing after another goes wrong--ruining storytime, salon time, picnic time, and the puppet show they'd been looking forward to going to all week. Mom is nearing a meltdown...until her loving daughter reminds her that being together is the most important thing of all. Author-artist Oge Mora's highly anticipated follow up to Caldecott Honor Thank You, Omu! features the same magnificently radiant artwork and celebration of sharing so beloved in her debut picture book.
Everybody in the Red Brick Building by
A fresh, urban take on bedtime stories in the spirit of The House That Jack Built and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, from debut author Anne Wynter and Caldecott Honoree Oge Mora. Everybody in the red brick building was asleep. Until . . . WaaaAAH! Rraak! Wake up! Pitter patter STOMP! Pssheew! A chain reaction of noises wakes up several children (and a cat) living in an apartment building. But it's late in the night, so despite the disturbances, one by one, the building's inhabitants return to their beds--this time with a new set of sounds to lull them to sleep.
The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by
Imagine learning to read at the age of 116! Discover the true story of Mary Walker, the nation's oldest student who did just that, in this picture book from a Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator and a rising star author. In 1848, Mary Walker was born into slavery. At age 15, she was freed, and by age 20, she was married and had her first child. By age 68, she had worked numerous jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. At 114, she was the last remaining member of her family. And at 116, she learned to read. From Rita Lorraine Hubbard and rising star Oge More comes the inspirational story of Mary Walker, a woman whose long life spanned from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and who--with perseverance and dedication--proved that you're never too old to learn.
I'm From by
A poetic, heartwarming ode to the small, defining moments of a boy's life, by a brilliant new debut and a Caldecott Honoree. For fans of Last Stop on Market Street. Early morning wakeups and homemade pancakes, Raucous bus rides and schoolyard games, Family games and bedtime rituals... These are the small moments that shape a child's day. I'm From is an invitation into the vivid world of one small boy, a poetic account of all the people and places and things that shape who he is and define where he is from.
Shaking Things up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World by
"Each poem and illustration shines with a personality all its own." --Shelf Awareness (starred review) "This book has definitely made an impact on my life." --Kitt Shapiro, daughter of Eartha Kitt Fresh, accessible, and inspiring, Shaking Things Up introduces fourteen revolutionary young women--each paired with a noteworthy female artist--to the next generation of activists, trailblazers, and rabble-rousers. From the award-winning author of Ada's Violin and Lifeboat 12, Susan Hood, this is a poetic and visual celebration of persistent women throughout history. In this book of poems, you will find Mary Anning, who was just thirteen when she unearthed a prehistoric fossil. You'll meet Ruby Bridges, the brave six-year-old who helped end segregation in the South. And Maya Lin, who at twenty-one won a competition to create a war memorial, and then had to appear before Congress to defend her right to create. And those are just a few of the young women included in this book. Readers will also hear about Molly Williams, Annette Kellerman, Nellie Bly, Pura Belpré, Frida Kahlo, Jacqueline and Eileen Nearne, Frances Moore Lappé, Mae Jemison, Angela Zhang, and Malala Yousafzai--all whose stories will enthrall and inspire. This poetry collection was written, illustrated, edited, and designed by women and includes an author's note, a timeline, and additional resources. With artwork by award-winning and bestselling artists including Selina Alko, Sophie Blackall, Lisa Brown, Hadley Hooper, Emily Winfield Martin, Oge Mora, Julie Morstad, Sara Palacios, LeUyen Pham, Erin Robinson, Isabel Roxas, Shadra Strickland, and Melissa Sweet. A 2019 Bank Street Best Book of the Year Named to the 2019 Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List Selected for CCBC Choices Book 2019 Selected as a Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2019 Named to the Cuyahoga County Public Library's 2018 list of Great Books for Kids 2020-2021 South Carolina Picture Book Award Nominee
More or Less by
Celebrate the power of living more sustainably, simply, and generously in this inspiring visual adventure from Alison Hughes and Caldecott honoree Oge Mora! What if less could be more? A child's bedroom, and the rest of his house, has become cluttered with stuff. But when one small act of giving something away sparks joy, he keeps going--and before you know it, his little sister, friends, and family get involved in donating items to people in need and bringing the whole community together for a swap party. Here is a heartening story that illustrates for the youngest readers how less can be MORE: more space for living, loving, and knowing that we already have PLENTY. Brought to life in intricate collage by award-winning artist Oge Mora, More or Less takes the meaning of "reduce, reuse, recycle" into the realm of community-building and the cultivation of kindness and meaning.
The Kids Reading Across RI Committee is happy to announce that the work of Oge Mora has been selected to celebrate the 16th year of KRARI.
This year's KRARI program will center RI author/illustrator Oge Mora and three of her books:Thank You, Omu!, Saturday, and The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned To Read. As an artist for the nationwide Summer Reading Program "Level Up at Your Library," Oge is the perfect creator to highlight RI authors/illustrators, celebrate RI libraries, and kick off our 16th year of the KRARI program.
Schools and libraries will be able to select which title they would like for their book discussions. Oge Mora's work lends itself to conversations for all reading levels and provides opportunities for inter-generational programming. It is the committee's hope that schools and libraries will be excited to dive into both the stunning artwork as well as the text.
" I am so excited to be this year's author for 2025 Kids Reading Across RI! When I came to RI for college I fell in love with Providence and for many years it has been my community and home. I am so incredibly honored that my books will be shared with children all across our beautiful state." - Oge Mora
Oge Mora
Oge Mora is a collage artist and storyteller. Her picture book, Thank You, Omu!, was a Caldecott Honor, Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award winner, and Ezra Jack Keats Book Award recipient. Her second book, Saturday won the 2020 Boston Globe—Horn Book Picture Book Award. Oge’s artwork has been applauded by The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Boston Globe. She is also a 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 Lister in Arts & Style.
Oge grew up in Columbus, Ohio but resides in Providence, RI. She is a fan of all things colorful, patterned, or collaged, and enjoys creating warm stories that celebrate people coming together.
Thank You, Omu!
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?
Saturday
A mother and daughter look forward to their special Saturday routine together every single week. But this Saturday, one thing after another goes wrong--ruining storytime, salon time, picnic time, and the puppet show they'd been looking forward to going to all week. Mom is nearing a meltdown...until her loving daughter reminds her that being together is the most important thing of all.
The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read
In 1848, Mary Walker was born into slavery. At age 15, she was freed, and by age 20, she was married and had her first child. By age 68, she had worked numerous jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. At 114, she was the last remaining member of her family. And at 116, she learned to read. From Rita Lorraine Hubbard and rising star Oge More comes the inspirational story of Mary Walker, a woman whose long life spanned from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and who--with perseverance and dedication--proved that you're never too old to learn.
Copies of the 2025 KRARI books Thank You, Omu!, Saturday, or The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned To Read by Oge Mora are available to public and school libraries interested in hosting a Kids Reading Across RI book discussion or activity. Please select one title as we cannot offer sets of mixed titles. Requests must be made using the appropriate form by April 14, 2025. Book sets will be delivered in May.
Questions about book distribution may be addressed to:
Danielle Margarida
Youth Services Coordinator, RI Office of Library and Information Services
danielle.margarida@olis.ri.gov
For requests after the April 14 deadline contact Kate Lentz at kate@ribook.org. Requests made after theApril 14 deadline will be fulfilled based on current availability of books.
Coming Soon
Public libraries are invited to participate in the June 14th Kids Reading Across RI kickoff event at the State House. It's a great opportunity to promote your library and summer reading program to families from all over the state. In the past libraries have had tables with activities related to the summer reading theme or the KRARI book. Your activity may be a simple hand’s on activity such as a coloring page or craft. Libraries may also use this as an opportunity to show off any new items they’d like to promote (circulating kits, STEM tools, etc.). The event typically draws up to 200 people. Interested libraries can contact submit this form or contact Danielle Margarida.
About the event:
Kick off the 2025 Kids Reading Across RI program and meet award-winning author/illustrator Oge Mora. Each family will receive a free copy of one of Oge Mora's books that they can have signed by the author. Enjoy hands-on activities with RI public libraries and organizations.
Saturday, June 14
2:00 - 4:00 PM
William Hall Library, Cranston
Participating libraries and organizations:
TBA
Making the Most of Your Book Discussion
Programming
Oge Mora
Collage Basics
Collage Activities
Committee members include public youth services librarians, school librarians, retired librarians, and retired educators. The committee is responsible for:
Librarians and educators who have experience working with kids in grades 4-6 are invited to join the committee any time of year.The committee meets in person approximately five times between September and May. Meeting attendance is not required, but committee members that cannot attend meetings are asked to participate in discussions via email.
Committee members are also expected to:
Interested? Contact Danielle Margarida at danielle.margarida@olis.ri.gov.