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Our Table
By Diondra K. Brown,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Delightful story of family finding their way back together.
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What's the Story?
OUR TABLE peers into the life of Violet and her family. Their life was once filled with bright colors as they laughed, told stories, cooked, and created fond memories with one another -- gathered around their kitchen table. But something has changed, Violet finds herself feeling lonely and distanced as everyone in her family has become busy and distracted by technology. As Violet's feelings of isolation grow, the family's table grows smaller and smaller, until it eventually vanishes. Violet hatches a creative plan to bring her family back together, around a new table built with love.
Is It Any Good?
This tender and timely story can be enjoyed by the whole family, and emphasizes the importance of quality time and stepping away from distraction. Our Table serves as a reminder that now more than ever we must prioritize gathering together with loved ones and being present in the moment, when we can. Written with a tone of gratitude and a focus on multigenerational love, author-illustrator Peter H. Reynold's vision leaps off the pages of this lyrical story, guided by colors. The story shows readers the importance of using their voice to ask for what they need.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how in Our Table, Violet "dreamed of a time when family and friends would gather at the table" when she felt alone. What's something you enjoy doing with your family and friends? Do you ever feel lonely when your family and friends don't have enough time to do the things you enjoy?
Why do you think the table kept getting smaller, and then vanished?
How do you think Violet's family felt when she asked them to build a new table together?
Some illustrations in the book have lots of color, and some are only purple. Why do you think the author-illustrator made this choice?
Book Details
- Author: Peter H. Reynolds
- Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters , Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Orchard Books
- Publication date: November 2, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 48
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: October 24, 2021
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