We Share This Neighborhood: A Community Book

Toddler-PreS–New in the “Community Books” series, this book's rhyming prose makes it an easy read for those just learning to form words. Everyone is important in the neighborhood and community, according to Saks. In a second-person voice, “you” are an important part of your neighborhood. Everyone has the “job” of helping each other and making the place they live peaceful, pretty, green, and a great place to dream. Whether born in the neighborhood or from far away, neighbors are an important piece of their community. Saks invites children to listen to the symphony of music outside before bedtime: “you lie in your bed,/ eyes closed listening: To the sirens of helpers,/ a bicycle bell,/ a dog on a walk,/ a friendly farewell.” The poetic imagery will captivate. Although the neighborhood of this book is a cityscape, the points are made so children in suburban or rural homes will understand that their neighborhood may be different, but it, too, has its own symphony.