PA, ME, AND OUR SIDEWALK PANTRY

In Buzzeo’s latest, a grandfather and grandchild establish a sidewalk pantry for their neighborhood.

Jelly Bean and Pa, who present Black, have a sidewalk library full of free books for their community. However, Jelly Bean declares, “We need food as much as we need books”—especially with Jelly Bean’s mom out of work. Pa agrees and asks, “So, what do you propose?” In Pa’s workshop, one of Jelly Bean’s favorite places, they build a wooden cabinet using recycled wood and set the new pantry next to the library. The new sign, painted by Jelly Bean, tells passersby to “read all you want” and “take all you need.” Later, after some of the food the two of them place inside the pantry is taken, Jelly Bean discovers a handwritten note of gratitude from an anonymous friend. The heartwarming gesture inspires the child, who, along with Pa, organizes an outreach strategy to involve their neighbors. They knock on doors and hang flyers throughout their vibrant, diverse neighborhood to request book and food donations. This energizes their entire community and results in a collective effort to keep both the library and pantry stocked. Buzzeo has written a timely book on the underrated power of libraries and mutual aid. Hoang’s delicate use of colored pencil and watercolor gives the tale an endearing and pleasant touch. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A charming, intergenerational story of compassion, creativity, and community.