All Are Welcome

All Are Welcome

by Alexandra Penfold, illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman

All Are Welcome follows a group of children while they explore and learn from one another throughout a day at school. The school community that Alexandra Penfold describes and Suzanne Kaufman illustrates celebrates diversity and welcomes all students. There are multiple cultures, religions, and family units represented in this text. Kaufman illustrates the differences in students’ lives which beautifully complements Penfold’s message, “You have a place here. You have a space here. You are welcome here.” There is a place for everyone in this school community that describes diversity as their greatest strength. 

This book is a must read for elementary students! All Are Welcome would be an excellent book to read on the first day of school. This book will help calm the jitters of entering a new classroom on the first day by the warm, welcoming message it exudes. The illustrations will not only draw students in, but will also enable students to form connections and see themselves represented in a classroom resource. This text could be used to help build a strong classroom community where all students feel represented and welcomed.