A joyous ode to friendship that shows that everything is better when we work together!
Working together can make everything we do—like playing music, gardening, and helping our neighbors—a whole lot more fun. Whether it’s cleaning up the mess in the kitchen or in a public park, joining together on a shared project allows each of our talents to shine through. And some things are simply better when we do them together—like celebrating a job well done! Young readers are sure to be inspired by this cheerful story of friendship and teamwork that shows how we can all make a positive impact on the world, starting in our own homes and communities.
“In this heartfelt celebration of working together, racially diverse young children frolic and unite in an urban setting. The warm illustrations convey the importance of teamwork as little ones help out around the house and outdoors. The children also come together to stage plays and put on concerts. Straightforward, accessible text. . . . The children are joined by supportive parents and friendly pets. . . . A good choice for establishing a solid early learning environment; the emphasis on social skills and positive attributes such as sharing, responsibility, support, tidiness, and collaboration is strong and clear. An upbeat demonstration that working together can make the world a more loving, supportive, and welcome place.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Observes collaborative efforts at home and within a racially diverse community. . . . Cheerfully rendered day of work and play. Alongside Phumiruk’s crisp digitally finished spreads, Gundersheimer’s lines scan and rhyme satisfyingly. It’s an optimistic starting place for discussions about cooperation and mutual aid.” —Publishers Weekly
“The story and lesson are easy to understand and catchy, with a rhyme scheme and chorus: ‘We make things better, better when we work together.’ The text, written by children's music artist Mister G, is clear and tells the many different, simple ways children can help in their community, using vocabulary that they can understand. Phumiruk’s illustrations show these actions, in scenes that translate credibly to readers’ own neighborhoods and surroundings. The art brings specific details to the words, illuminating them and lifting the text right off the page. A book about everyday teamwork and love that is sure to inspire readers to work together in their own communities.” —School Library Journal
Ben Gundersheimer (MisterGSongs.com and BenGundersheimer.com) is a Latin Grammy Award–winning artist, author, playwright and educator. Hailed as “a bilingual rock star” by The Washington Post, he was originally dubbed “MISTER G” by his elementary school students while pursuing a Master of Education degree. His dynamic bilingual performances aim to dissolve borders and foster cross-cultural connections. Ben is the author of Baby Ballena, Señorita Mariposa, We’ll Make Things Better Together, Lilah Tov Good Night, and How Many Squirrels Are in the World?, all of which are based on his original songs. He lives in the woods of Western Massachusetts with his wife, Katherine; rescue mutt, Josie; and cat, Chloe Bird.
View titles by Ben Gundersheimer (Mister G)
A joyous ode to friendship that shows that everything is better when we work together!
Working together can make everything we do—like playing music, gardening, and helping our neighbors—a whole lot more fun. Whether it’s cleaning up the mess in the kitchen or in a public park, joining together on a shared project allows each of our talents to shine through. And some things are simply better when we do them together—like celebrating a job well done! Young readers are sure to be inspired by this cheerful story of friendship and teamwork that shows how we can all make a positive impact on the world, starting in our own homes and communities.
Praise
“In this heartfelt celebration of working together, racially diverse young children frolic and unite in an urban setting. The warm illustrations convey the importance of teamwork as little ones help out around the house and outdoors. The children also come together to stage plays and put on concerts. Straightforward, accessible text. . . . The children are joined by supportive parents and friendly pets. . . . A good choice for establishing a solid early learning environment; the emphasis on social skills and positive attributes such as sharing, responsibility, support, tidiness, and collaboration is strong and clear. An upbeat demonstration that working together can make the world a more loving, supportive, and welcome place.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Observes collaborative efforts at home and within a racially diverse community. . . . Cheerfully rendered day of work and play. Alongside Phumiruk’s crisp digitally finished spreads, Gundersheimer’s lines scan and rhyme satisfyingly. It’s an optimistic starting place for discussions about cooperation and mutual aid.” —Publishers Weekly
“The story and lesson are easy to understand and catchy, with a rhyme scheme and chorus: ‘We make things better, better when we work together.’ The text, written by children's music artist Mister G, is clear and tells the many different, simple ways children can help in their community, using vocabulary that they can understand. Phumiruk’s illustrations show these actions, in scenes that translate credibly to readers’ own neighborhoods and surroundings. The art brings specific details to the words, illuminating them and lifting the text right off the page. A book about everyday teamwork and love that is sure to inspire readers to work together in their own communities.” —School Library Journal
Ben Gundersheimer (MisterGSongs.com and BenGundersheimer.com) is a Latin Grammy Award–winning artist, author, playwright and educator. Hailed as “a bilingual rock star” by The Washington Post, he was originally dubbed “MISTER G” by his elementary school students while pursuing a Master of Education degree. His dynamic bilingual performances aim to dissolve borders and foster cross-cultural connections. Ben is the author of Baby Ballena, Señorita Mariposa, We’ll Make Things Better Together, Lilah Tov Good Night, and How Many Squirrels Are in the World?, all of which are based on his original songs. He lives in the woods of Western Massachusetts with his wife, Katherine; rescue mutt, Josie; and cat, Chloe Bird.
View titles by Ben Gundersheimer (Mister G)
