Arena, Jen. Give. Illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell. Alfred A. Knopf, 2023. 978-1-524-71499-4 . Unpaged. $18.99. Grades Pre K-2.

In a colorful neighborhood setting, a young boy receives a gift tied with a ribbon from his mother. A young girl loses her hair tie in a blast of blustery wind, and the boy takes the ribbon from his gift and offers it to the girl. The two travel to school and throughout the school day, the diverse classmates practice the concept of paying it forward. Their actions of being there for those in need are described with terse phrases. In full-spread pages splashed with bright colors, the reader enters the classroom and meets the teacher and students as they share, help, and make friends. The simple text will appeal to very young children with its circular story and repetitive words that reinforce the concept of giving–even the illustrations repeat the kindness theme with their heart-shaped leaves.

THOUGHTS: Hopefully, this relatable book featuring school children will impress readers with the fragile concept of being generous, a value so appreciated but often not addressed in our contemporary society. This book takes a light touch and is not preachy.

Picture Book