A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: Books for National Good Neighbor Day

Did you know that National Neighbor Day is celebrated on the 3rd Saturday of the month? There seems to be some contrasting information on when it is actually celebrated (Brownie Locks and other sites list it as always being on September 26), but celebrating neighborhoods where people live, work, and play happily together is something that I can get behind on any day of the year. Consider these books for a story time or display on neighbors, cooperation, or friendship:

(image taken from Peachtree Publishers)

Albert is a gem in his neighborhood; if a roof is leaking, a fence is wearing down, or a door is squeaking, Albert is ready to assist his neighbors when needed. When an awful cold leaves him momentarily unable to work, his neighbors repay his kindness ten-fold. Albert the Fix-It Man is a sweet and fun story about the valuable of helping others and being grateful for others’ kindnesses; one of my favorites!

 

I love multicultural stories that involve food; they both emphasize both unique and common food customs and staples across our cultures. Everybody Cooks Rice features a young girl sent to track down her brother; along the way, she discovers that although her neighbors have different ways of preparing rice, rice is an important part of their meal.

 

(image taken from Lerner)

(image taken from Rafael Lopez Books)

Maybe Something Beautiful  is one of my top favorite reads for 2016, and I have high hopes for it come Youth Media Awards time next January. Mira’s neighborhood doesn’t offer much in the way of bright colors, until a muralist, inspired by her drawings that she bestows upon her neighbors, engages the neighborhood in brightening their community with their own designs. Based on a true story, this is a a hopeful and inspiring tale of a community bonding and creating art together.

 

(image taken from Rachel Isadora)

It would be difficult for me to choose a favorite Rachel Isadora picture book, but Say Hello would definitely be one of the top contenders. The story line is simple: a young girl says hello to her neighbors; because her neighborhood boasts friends from many different countries, the young girl is able to say hello in a variety of languages, from Arabic to Japanese, and others in between.

 

(image taken from Simon & Schuster)

Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch is the lengthiest story in this collection, but it’s one that has resonated with me for many years. Mr. Hatch is quite the anti-social curmudgeon until a box of chocolates from a “secret admirer” appears in his mail. Not knowing who his secret admirer is but uplifted by the gesture, Mr. Hatch has friendly interactions with others, helps others when needed, and just has a better attitude in general…until the mail carrier informs him that it was not actually intended for him. Mr. Hatch is dismayed by the news, until his new friends cheer him up. This is one one of the most moving and heartfelt (and heartaching) pictures books that I have ever read; a testament to the benefit that our positive words and actions can have on others.

What books would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments!