Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Summary:  Omu is cooking up a big batch of delicious-smelling red stew, which she thinks will be “the best dinner I have ever had”.  When a hungry little boy knocks on her door, she decides she’s made enough to share.  Next to arrive is a police officer, then the hot dog vendor.  Omu gives them bowls of stew, too.  As the day goes on, more and more people come, and Omu shares with them all.  When she goes to get her own dinner, she discovers the pot is empty.  But she doesn’t have long to feel bad.  There’s a loud knocking on her door, and Omu opens it to discover that everyone she fed has returned with a big potluck meal to share.  The last page shows the little boy’s thank-you card, and reads “That dinner was the best she ever had.”  Includes an author’s note about her grandmother Omu, the Nigerian word meaning both grandmother and queen.  40 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros:  A heartwarming story of sharing and community that reads a little like a folktale.  The collage illustrations show a diverse cast of characters.  This would make a good holiday read, maybe pairing it with Miracle on 133rd Street.

Cons:  Mr. Hot Dog Vendor seems like he should be able to feed himself rather than knocking on Omu’s door for a free handout.

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