Thank you, Omu!

A Caldecott Medal Award winner Thank you, Omu!, written and illustrated by Oge Mora that is intricately designed with acrylic paint, China markers, pattern paper, and old newspaper clippings. The drawings are somewhat abstract, but the characters scenery shines with meaning for any age. The story leaves an imprint of the importance of sharing, togetherness, and giving back. The main character is a grandmother like figure named Omu that lives in a city on the corner of two streets. In her apartment, she is cooking a large red stew and mixing it with all sorts of spices. Once she is finished, she lets her large pot simmer till dinner time and goes to read a book. One by one, we meet all sorts of characters coming by because they smell the delicious stew. Outside her home there is a knock at her door and a little boy is outside her door. He ends up getting a bowl of Omu’s stew because she has plenty. This same scenario plays out over with a police officer, a hot dog vendor, and various other people of all walks of life come by to have some Omu’s delicious stew. As the light of day starts to fade Omu is left with no more stew, and she becomes sad. Yet, there is a knock on her door, and we are introduced to all the characters that had some of her stew. The groups tell Omu not to worry because they bring food, gifts, and cheerful company that is more than welcomed.

Mora, O. (2018). Thank you, Omu! Little, Brown and Company.