Pa, Me, and Our Sidewalk Pantry

“Pa’s workshop is just about my favorite place,” begins the young narrator of this community care story by Buzzeo (When Sue Found Sue). The child, portrayed with light brown skin, sports a fade; Pa is shown with brown skin, black hair, and a mustache. “What’s on your mind, Jelly Bean?” Pa asks affectionately, as the youth holds the sign from the sidewalk library out front. “With Mom out of work, we need food as much as we need books. I think other people might too.” To accompany the sidewalk library, the two build a sidewalk pantry. In a thoughtful step-by-step narrative, they also devote thought to food pairings (soup and crackers, oatmeal and raisins), treats, and how they’ll resupply. Watercolor, colored pencil, and digitally wrought art from González Hoang (Measuring a Year) show close-ups of tools, food, and packaging, and focus on the relationship between Pa and Jelly Bean as well as an anonymous note that connects with the child. Straightforward familial action, the young narrator’s compassion, and Pa’s flexibility (“Sometimes, you just need to switch things up”) give listeners plenty to engage with. Resources conclude. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Stefanie Sanchez Von Borstel, Full Circle Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Andrea Morrison, Writers House. (July)