Pa, Me, and Our Sidewalk Pantry

May 15, 2023
In Buzzeo's latest, a grandfather and grandchild establish a sidewalk pantry for their neighborhood. Jelly Bean and Pa, who present Black, have a sidewalk library full of free books for their community. However, Jelly Bean declares, "We need food as much as we need books"--especially with Jelly Bean's mom out of work. Pa agrees and asks, "So, what do you propose?" In Pa's workshop, one of Jelly Bean's favorite places, they build a wooden cabinet using recycled wood and set the new pantry next to the library. The new sign, painted by Jelly Bean, tells passersby to "read all you want" and "take all you need." Later, after some of the food the two of them place inside the pantry is taken, Jelly Bean discovers a handwritten note of gratitude from an anonymous friend. The heartwarming gesture inspires the child, who, along with Pa, organizes an outreach strategy to involve their neighbors. They knock on doors and hang flyers throughout their vibrant, diverse neighborhood to request book and food donations. This energizes their entire community and results in a collective effort to keep both the library and pantry stocked. Buzzeo has written a timely book on the underrated power of libraries and mutual aid. Hoang's delicate use of colored pencil and watercolor gives the tale an endearing and pleasant touch. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A charming, intergenerational story of compassion, creativity, and community. (more information on the Little Free Pantries movement, tips on helping fight hunger) (Picture book. 5-9)

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May 15, 2023
“Pa’s workshop is just about my favorite place,” begins the young narrator of this community care story by Buzzeo (When Sue Found Sue). The child, portrayed with light brown skin, sports a fade; Pa is shown with brown skin, black hair, and a mustache. “What’s on your mind, Jelly Bean?” Pa asks affectionately, as the youth holds the sign from the sidewalk library out front. “With Mom out of work, we need food as much as we need books. I think other people might too.” To accompany the sidewalk library, the two build a sidewalk pantry. In a thoughtful step-by-step narrative, they also devote thought to food pairings (soup and crackers, oatmeal and raisins), treats, and how they’ll resupply. Watercolor, colored pencil, and digitally wrought art from González Hoang (Measuring a Year) show close-ups of tools, food, and packaging, and focus on the relationship between Pa and Jelly Bean as well as an anonymous note that connects with the child. Straightforward familial action, the young narrator’s compassion, and Pa’s flexibility (“Sometimes, you just need to switch things up”) give listeners plenty to engage with. Resources conclude. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Stefanie Sanchez Von Borstel, Full Circle Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Andrea Morrison, Writers House.

July 1, 2023
Grades K-3 Generosity and community spirit abound in Buzzeo's picture book about a boy and his grandfather working to nourish their neighborhood in mind and body. The boy, affectionately referred to by his (grand)Pa as Jelly Bean, loves spending time in Pa's workshop. Having already built a Little Free Library in their yard, Jelly Bean decides they should add a little pantry for people who don't have enough to eat. Pa and Jelly Bean get to work building, painting, and stocking the new sidewalk pantry with food from their kitchen and donations from neighbors. One morning, Jelly Bean discovers a thank-you note in the pantry, where a few items are now gone, leading to further inspiration within his mini donation center. Hoang's watercoloresque illustrations are charmingly childlike and capture the sweetness of the grandfather and grandson's close relationship. The appended resource page offers more information on the Little Free Libraries and Little Free Pantries movements and guides youngsters who want to duplicate these projects in their own communities.

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