Homegrown -- Book Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Today I get to share with you a new multicultural picture book (it is being released today). This book gives a chance to reflect on what home means to us. The book is Homegrown by DeAnn Wiley. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

From the Publisher:

A touching and stunningly illustrated ode to the homes—and loved ones—that raise us, perfect for fans of Black Is a Rainbow Color, Saturday, and Last Stop on Market Street.

While her mother puts the finishing touches on her twists, a young girl asks what it means to be "homegrown". Touring precious memories and lively rooms warmed by family, Mama and Granny explain that home isn't just a place, but rather a reflection of people who support and love one another.

With lush, cozy illustrations, Homegrown is a beautiful author-illustrator debut picture book that reminds us to lift up the places—and people—we call home.

From Me:

What does homegrown mean to you? What does home mean? In this colorful book, a young girl explores the meaning for her and her family. She asks her mother what she means when she tells the girl she is homegrown. Home is more than a building. In this story the family shares many touching moments and traditions from Friday game night to learning to take care of her own hair. In their home there are many cultural traditions that may be different from yours, but some may be the same. 

I love how the book gets the reader thinking about what home and family means to him or her. As a white person I may not relate to having my hair twisted or greased but I can relate to memories, cooking together, cleaning together and so much more. Home is an important part of what makes us unique, and it is our family that truly makes home. Home is where you are loved and nurtured or at least should be. This book reminds us of that and that we should appreciate our home and family. I also love that this book is intergenerational. The grandmother lives with the family and there are sleepovers with cousins as well. Extended family matters and definitely makes part of home. I also love how they tend to the garden and growing their own food which for many is an important part of life.

This book is perfect for a read at home or for a class. I can see both places discussing what home means to the child(ren). It is a perfect way to start discussing family traditions and what they really mean. I hope you will check it out!