Thank You, Omu!

Everyone in the neighborhood dreams of a taste of Omu's delicious stew! One by one, they follow their noses toward the scrumptious scent. And one by one, Omu offers a portion of her meal. Soon the pot is empty. Has she been so generous that she has nothing left for herself?

Debut author-illustrator Oge Mora brings to life a heartwarming story of sharing and community in colorful cut-paper designs as luscious as Omu's stew, with an extra serving of love. An author's note explains that "Omu" (pronounced AH-moo) means "queen" in the Igbo language of her parents, but growing up, she used it to mean "Grandma." This book was inspired by the strong female role models in Oge Mora's life.

“A 2019 Caldecott Honor Book Winner of the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award Winner of the Ezra Jack Keats Illustrator Award An ALA Children's Notables List Selection 2019 CCBC Choices 2019 A New York Times Notable Children's Book of 2018 A Bank Street College Best Children's Book of 2018 A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2018 A Boston Globe Best Children's Book of 2018 A School Library Journal Best Book of 2018 A New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice Staff Pick A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2018 2019 E.B. White Read-Aloud Award Finalist Jumpstart Read for the Record Selection 2019”

"[The illustrations] will have toddlers reaching out to grab them."--The New York Times Book Review
"A great choice...for introducing the concept of sharing."--Booklist
"A joyous homage... Mora's art casually yet vividly reminds readers of the diversity we encounter all around us, presenting her characters in all hues while acknowledging multiple languages in various cut-outs throughout."--Shelf Awareness
"All at once fresh and like a classic folktale."--The Washington Post
"Ideal...to use any time sharing is the theme."
--The Horn Book
[] "A lovely story of giving and community founded in Nigerian culture. Delectable."
--Kirkus Reviews, starred review
[] "A memorable tale of community and the unexpected rewards of sharing."--School Library Journal, starred review
[*] "Mora [is] a major new talent.... Rhythmic, refrainlike...this sweet story of inclusivity, gratitude, and delicious fellowship is also a feast for the eyes."
--Publishers Weekly, starred review
A 2019 Caldecott Honor Book
Winner of the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator AwardWinner of the Ezra Jack Keats Illustrator Award
An ALA Children's Notables List Selection 2019
CCBC Choices 2019
A New York Times Notable Children's Book of 2018
A Bank Street College Best Children's Book of 2018
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2018
A Boston Globe Best Children's Book of 2018
A School Library Journal Best Book of 2018
A New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice Staff Pick
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2018
2019 E.B. White Read-Aloud Award Finalist
Jumpstart Read for the Record Selection 2019

Oge Mora graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in illustration. When not painting in her studio, Oge (pronounced OH-gay) is in the kitchen cooking her late grandmother's recipes. She enjoys creating warm stories that celebrate community, champion representation, and explore diverse voices and experiences. She lives in Providence, Rhode Island, and invites you to visit her website at

Everyone in the neighborhood dreams of a taste of Omu's delicious stew! One by one, they follow their noses toward the scrumptious scent. And one by one, Omu offers a portion of her meal. Soon the pot is empty. Has she been so generous that she has nothing left for herself?Debut author-illustrator Oge Mora brings to life a heartwarming story of sharing and community in colorful cut-paper designs as luscious as Omu's stew, with an extra serving of love. An author's note explains that "Omu" (pronounced AH-moo) means "queen" in the Igbo language of her parents, but growing up, she used it to mean "Grandma." This book was inspired by the strong female role models in Oge Mora's life.

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