Home (Shelley Rotner's Early Childhood Library)

"Through colorful photographs by Rotner and sparse text, this book explains the true meaning of 'home' to young children. A variety of homes, ranging from large single-family homes to urban apartments to trailers, are pictured, and children of various cultural and ethnic backgrounds are featured. However, the focus is not on the different kinds of dwellings that may be found in other, mostly non-Western environments. Rather, the value of the book lies in its ability to show that home should be a place to feel safe, loved, and sheltered. Homeless people are mentioned briefly, and end material lists facts about homelessness, suggestions for helping the homeless, and websites that provide more information about their plight. Recommended." --Library Media Connection

"The latest entry in the Shelley Rotner's Early Childhood Library shows that 'a home is more than a house.' Numerous color photos show scenes of loving families, indoors and outside; in cities, suburbs, and the countryside; from diverse cultures and families; hugging, arguing, sharing meals, playing musical instruments, and more. The book's close brings an unexpected message about the homeless ('some people don't have homes even if they are just like you or me'), and safe in their own houses, kids will be moved to talk about what that means." --Booklist

"Rotner and Goldbas explain the concept of 'home' for very young children, defining it as a place where people not only eat and sleep but also find love and safety; the difficult topic of homelessness is also touched upon ('Some people don't have homes...'). Yellow type and attractive photographs featuring a diversity of children show up nicely against black backgrounds." --The Horn Book Guide