A Park Connects Us
by Sarah Nelson (Author) Ellen Rooney (Illustrator)
An ode to urban parks and the many ways they connect us to community and nature.
This picture book excursion through a city park invites readers to discover how shared green spaces bring us together. Lyrical, upbeat text illuminates the abundant gifts the park offers. Vibrant mixed-media illustrations show a diverse group of visitors as they explore this communal space. Children frolic; couples wander; flowers bloom and birds zoom; friends and families picnic and play ball or simply sink their toes peacefully into the present moment. Meanwhile, rolling hills and green trees enfold visitors in nature's beauty. Encouraged by the sense of unity the park creates, the visitors come together for a joyful dance party and a march for peace and equality. Spread by spread, we see how urban parks are for everyone--whoever we are.
This love letter to public parks depicts an inclusive and accessible space where community flourishes. Without a screen in sight, it gently hints at the adventures to be had offline and encourages readers to venture into nature and connect with their neighborhoods. Back matter provides a brief history of urban parks in North America and highlights park successes around the world.
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PreS-Gr 2--In the middle of a city, an inviting green park full of paved paths, trees, flowers, benches, and playground structures hosts people of all ages and abilities, in addition to pets and wildlife; one bird's-eye view shows a squirrel, a raccoon, birds, a fox, and two dogs, as well as people. The text is full of active verbs, highlighting all of the things a park can do: "A park touches us and teaches us, inspires and unleashes us." One minus--although it's a lovely idea, a park does not "march for equality." However, people do: walking, rolling, holding signs, holding hands. This ode to the value of city parks will inspire readers to think about what their parks are like, and all the ways that people and animals use them. Back matter includes more information on the history and importance of city parks. VERDICT Like Charlotte Zolotow's wonderful The Park Book, this book showcases the inclusivity of parks in loving detail; a good choice for story time, one-on-one, or classroom projects.--Jenny Arch
Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
JUV023000 - Juvenile Fiction | Lifestyles | City & Town Life
JUV032170 - Juvenile Fiction | Sports & Recreation | Camping & Outdoor Activities
JUV074000 - Juvenile Fiction | Diversity & Multicultural
Parks
JUVENILE FICTION / Nature & the Natural World
Communities
Urban parks
