All We Need, written by Kathy Wolff and illustrated by Margaux Meganck. Bloomsbury, Raincoast. 2021. $24.50 ages 4 and up

 

"All we need
may be found in a book, 
in a welcoming classroom, or a curious look. 
We can try and may fail, but we'll gain in return ...

All we need ... 

is to learn."

This warm and engaging book presents diverse families as the author explains what they have and who they depend on to have the resources that make their lives happy and healthy. The book's endpapers, which offer scenes of happy twosomes enjoying each other's company, invite readers to move inside to see who they might be. The title page shows a young Muslim mother with her two young children passing through a gate than leads to a lush green park. The park sports a water pad where children are happily playing while their caretakers keep a close watch. 

Each new double page spread continues the story with the arrival of new characters, all helping to show what the most important needs are: air, water, to learn, a home, food, family and friends, and to share. As the group grows so will a child's interest in watching the happy scenes play out. When they leave the park and travel home, darkening skies allow the warmth of home to draw children in, and to have a close look at those who will meet for a fine community meal. With hugs, smiles, peeks in the pots, and a table laden with all sorts of deliciousness, soon all are gathered 'to share' the bounty that comes when  the community gathers together to share. 

The final spread encourages careful attention to all those gathered and causes readers to go back to see those same people in previous scenarios. This is a book to be read aloud, savored, and discussed. Text and art pair beautifully to show all we really need to make a good and happy life.