Common Sense Media Review
By Mandie Caroll
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lovely art adds to sweet tale of food, community, gratitude.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THANK YOU, OMU! begins with Omu, a grandmotherly-looking black woman making a delicious, fragrant stew in her big pot. Omu sits down to read while it cooks, but a long, ribbon of steam weaves its way out her window and down the hall and out to the streets of her neighborhood. A little boy playing in the hallway knocks on her door to inquire about the yummy smell. Omu shares a bowl with him and sends him on his way. Soon after, another neighbor, and then another, and many more come for stew. Soon, it is all gone, and Omu has no dinner! How will Omu's neighbors thank her for sharing her stew?
Is It Any Good?
This is a lovely story of generosity, community and gratitude and a gorgeously constructed book of collages made with cut paper, paint, and marker. It's certainly a worthy recipient of the Caldecott Honor. The bold colors in Thank You, Omu! create a lively city-feel and reflect the diversity of Omu's community. The steam that floats through the window and out into the neighborhood is like a thread that holds the story together, and looks like comfort and an invitation. The story has a folktale feel and is a testament to sharing, diversity, and inclusion.
Thank You, Omu! is wonderfully written, and the advanced vocabulary, repetition, and sounds of deliciousness ("Mmmm, "Ooooo," "Ahhhhh") make it read-aloud gold. Families will enjoy reading this book together and talking about the inventive art and rich themes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Omu's generosity in Thank You, Omu! How does Omu's sharing affect her community? What did you think when Omu discovered her stew was all gone? How do you thank people when they are generous with you?
How do the characters show empathy? Which other character strengths are important?
The author-illustrator uses collage to create pictures. What does this style of art tell you about who Omu is? How does the steam from the stew "invite" people into Omu's home? What do you learn about the neighbors and the neighborhood from the pictures?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Oge Mora
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Cooking , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : October 2, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 7
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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