WE'LL MAKE THINGS BETTER TOGETHER

“Everything is better / Better when we work together.”

In this heartfelt celebration of working together, racially diverse young children frolic and unite in an urban setting. The warm illustrations convey the importance of teamwork as little ones help out around the house (washing dishes, setting the table, tying a little sibling’s shoelaces) and outdoors (picking up litter in a park, tending to the community garden, bringing bread and soup to a sickly next-door neighbor). The children also come together to stage plays and put on concerts. Straightforward, accessible text describes the children’s actions, punctuated by an italicized, slightly shifting refrain (“Everything grows better / Better when we work together,” “Everything sounds better / Better when we work together”). The children are joined by supportive parents (including a biracial couple) and friendly pets. This quiet but appealing selection will be a good choice for establishing a solid early learning environment; the emphasis on social skills and positive attributes such as sharing, responsibility, support, tidiness, and collaboration is strong and clear. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

An upbeat demonstration that working together can make the world a more loving, supportive, and welcome place.