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All of Us
Acclaimed and award-winning picture book creator Carin Berger shares a moving story of community, empathy, and the power of love.
With a universal message and stunning paper collage art, this striking book is just right for fans of Matt de la Peña’s Love and Emily Winfield Martin’s The Wonderful Things You Will Be.
Award-winning illustrator Carin Berger’s beautiful and timely picture book celebrates the power of community, family, and most of all, love. Her beautiful collage art and lyrical text offer a message of hope in the face of adversity.
All of Us is ideal for family sharing as well as year-round giving and is for fans of Nancy’s Tillman’s Wherever You Are and Alison McGhee’s Someday.
With a universal message and stunning paper collage art, this striking book is just right for fans of Matt de la Peña’s Love and Emily Winfield Martin’s The Wonderful Things You Will Be.
Award-winning illustrator Carin Berger’s beautiful and timely picture book celebrates the power of community, family, and most of all, love. Her beautiful collage art and lyrical text offer a message of hope in the face of adversity.
All of Us is ideal for family sharing as well as year-round giving and is for fans of Nancy’s Tillman’s Wherever You Are and Alison McGhee’s Someday.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published May 8, 2018
About the author
Carin Berger
19 books41 followersCarin Berger is an award-winning designer and illustrator. She is the creator of Not So True Stories & Unreasonable Rhymes and All Mixed Up, and the illustrator of Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant, by Jack Prelutsky. She won the Society of Illustrators Founder's Award in 2006, and Publishers Weekly called her "one to watch." Carin Berger lives with her family in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
March 24, 2019
Author/artist Carin Berger pairs a lovely poem about love, inclusion, and community with gorgeous collage artwork in her latest picture-book, All of Us. The text itself is minimal but speaks volumes, while the accompanying illustrations are lovely, depicting the many diverse individuals who make up "all of us."
I really enjoyed this heartfelt poem about the beauty of love, and having faith in the power of community, even in dark times. It reads well aloud, and is sure to provoke some thought in youngsters, about how they live in the world. It begins: "When your heart is heavy / And your step unsure / When the winds are wild / And the path unclear / Don't fear the night, / so dark and vast / Or the hazy future / Or the stormy past." The accompanying artwork, done in Berger's signature collage style, is absolutely lovely. My favorite scene was the two-page spread instructing the reader not to fear the night, with its dark blue background, and bright yellow stars shining off the page. Recommended to fellow Carin Berger fans, and to anyone looking for new children's books about love, belonging and global community.
I really enjoyed this heartfelt poem about the beauty of love, and having faith in the power of community, even in dark times. It reads well aloud, and is sure to provoke some thought in youngsters, about how they live in the world. It begins: "When your heart is heavy / And your step unsure / When the winds are wild / And the path unclear / Don't fear the night, / so dark and vast / Or the hazy future / Or the stormy past." The accompanying artwork, done in Berger's signature collage style, is absolutely lovely. My favorite scene was the two-page spread instructing the reader not to fear the night, with its dark blue background, and bright yellow stars shining off the page. Recommended to fellow Carin Berger fans, and to anyone looking for new children's books about love, belonging and global community.
August 21, 2018
The art is beautiful but the text is very vague/metaphorical/poetic for what seems like the intended age range. What does a "hazy future" or a "stormy past" mean to a very small child? What does it mean for "hope and light" to "prevail"? Concrete actions and language are, I think, more useful for younger children (and all of us in general, really. These are pretty words, but love doesn't just win by itself, we have to act).
May 21, 2018
A very sweet book, but it's yet another example of "love will fix everything." I think that is a bit of a dangerous message, as it is a bit too idyllic in a time where nazi rhetoric is becoming mainstream. But, then again, there's nothing wrong with aspiring to that hopeful message either.
January 5, 2020
This was such a beautiful and lovely book. I read it to my baby and was somewhat emotional by the end. I’ll def get a copy of our own and read it to him a few days a week if not every day.
September 5, 2018
Great for the times that we are in. Teach kids that love is more important than fear and that together, we are better. Great for a classroom.
May 30, 2018
simple but stunning and uplifting. just what i needed to read right now <3
***
okay, i was holding back tears as i read this in storytime. so many feelings.
***
okay, i was holding back tears as i read this in storytime. so many feelings.
September 23, 2018
This book feels like it really wants to be a picture book for adults -- and I wish it would be! Then it could let its rally for optimism go wild.
As it is, I'm confused (as I am with many message-driven picture books for kids): who would enjoy this? Not this adult reader, alas (as the text is simplistic), and not, I suspect, a young or even slightly older child, as nothing here is either news -- I rather expect my caregiver to be there for me (not saying they always are), nor easy to understand. I suggest that "love wins" is a profound and very adult concept. Us adults say it to remind ourselves to stay the course, not give in too long to grief or other unproductive byways. I guess you could say it to a kid (this author just did), but unless you do a lot more unpacking of the idea, I don't think you'd really be making a connection.
As it is, I'm confused (as I am with many message-driven picture books for kids): who would enjoy this? Not this adult reader, alas (as the text is simplistic), and not, I suspect, a young or even slightly older child, as nothing here is either news -- I rather expect my caregiver to be there for me (not saying they always are), nor easy to understand. I suggest that "love wins" is a profound and very adult concept. Us adults say it to remind ourselves to stay the course, not give in too long to grief or other unproductive byways. I guess you could say it to a kid (this author just did), but unless you do a lot more unpacking of the idea, I don't think you'd really be making a connection.
January 31, 2022
Lyrical, uplifting poem with lovely collage artwork.
I really love the art. The poem rhymes.
I really love the art. The poem rhymes.
September 13, 2018
All of Us is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Carin Berger. This book depicts a heartfelt story of the true meaning of love in a world that could sometimes be dark and uncaring world.
The text is rather simple, straightforward, and lyrical. It is a heavily metaphorical story written in rhyme, albeit the first stanza missed it – the meaning far outweighs the technical perfection. The illustrations are vibrant and reminiscent of cut-paper collages with ephemera sources.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It is a book on the true meaning and power of love. It reticulates a timeless and universal message that love will always win and never gives up. It is a book that despite the dark times when one feels lost – one could find a way by depending on others to help them along the way.
All in all, All of Us is a wonderfully, charming, and rather deep children's book depicting a moving narrative of community, empathy, hope, and the power of love.
The text is rather simple, straightforward, and lyrical. It is a heavily metaphorical story written in rhyme, albeit the first stanza missed it – the meaning far outweighs the technical perfection. The illustrations are vibrant and reminiscent of cut-paper collages with ephemera sources.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It is a book on the true meaning and power of love. It reticulates a timeless and universal message that love will always win and never gives up. It is a book that despite the dark times when one feels lost – one could find a way by depending on others to help them along the way.
All in all, All of Us is a wonderfully, charming, and rather deep children's book depicting a moving narrative of community, empathy, hope, and the power of love.
August 22, 2018
I really like the art and the first few pages. I liked this a lot more when I thought it was a book about how sometimes things are scary when you're sad or scared (when your heart is heavy/when the winds are wild) but that being with someone who loves you can make you feel better. I thought the end was kind of dumb. Hope and light might not always prevail! Love might not always win! To me, the point shouldn't be that the arc of the universe inevitable moves towards justice because right now I'm less sure that it does, but instead that there are always going to be things that make your step unsure and the path unclear, but being with ones who love you can help. That's a much more understandable message for kids, I think.
Regardless, I respond very well to cut-paper collages and thought the art was very graphic and appealing.
Regardless, I respond very well to cut-paper collages and thought the art was very graphic and appealing.
January 22, 2019
ATA Wonder Kit --Peace Education, Diversity, Love,
Acclaimed and award-winning picture book creator Carin Berger shares a moving story of community, empathy, and the power of love. With a universal message and stunning paper collage art, this striking book is perfect for young and old alike. Berger's beautiful and timely picture book celebrates the power of community, family, and most of all, love. Her beautiful collage art and lyrical text offer a message of hope in the face of adversity; readers will be reminded that we are stronger together than alone.
Subject: Community life -- Juvenile fiction.
Friendship -- Juvenile fiction.
Social Themes -- Emotions & Feelings -- Juvenile fiction.
Social Themes -- Friendship -- Juvenile fiction.
Acclaimed and award-winning picture book creator Carin Berger shares a moving story of community, empathy, and the power of love. With a universal message and stunning paper collage art, this striking book is perfect for young and old alike. Berger's beautiful and timely picture book celebrates the power of community, family, and most of all, love. Her beautiful collage art and lyrical text offer a message of hope in the face of adversity; readers will be reminded that we are stronger together than alone.
Subject: Community life -- Juvenile fiction.
Friendship -- Juvenile fiction.
Social Themes -- Emotions & Feelings -- Juvenile fiction.
Social Themes -- Friendship -- Juvenile fiction.
June 5, 2018
With simple rhyming text and beautiful artwork, this awesome picture books has a wonderful, uplifting message for all readers - We are stronger together than we are alone - Love wins. According to the book jacket, the cut-paper collages "are made using ephemera, such as catalogues, old books, receipts, letters and ticket stubs." I found myself gazing at the gorgeous illustrations and trying to read the bits and pieces of the cut-paper. These are scary and discouraging times for many people as we are headed into an uncertain future. But this book encourages readers to embrace the future and the love that is spread throughout all of the world for us.
August 2, 2018
This is a picture book about peacemaking, healing, and fostering togetherness. Using kind reassuring language, it comforts and encourages the reader. I particularly liked the edict not to fear "the hazy future or the story past". While the conclusion that love conquers all is cliched, it is nevertheless a hopeful and fitting ending.
All of Us would be excellent to share with children who have experienced trauma -- both big and little "t" -- or who have suffered from some form of discrimination as well as children who are simply are anxious and timid. It would also be a good selection to promote kindness and peacemaking.
All of Us would be excellent to share with children who have experienced trauma -- both big and little "t" -- or who have suffered from some form of discrimination as well as children who are simply are anxious and timid. It would also be a good selection to promote kindness and peacemaking.
August 2, 2023
Goodreaders, you know how some folks love to dunk their donuts into coffee?
Carin Berger, through this book, aims to dunk you into love. Dunk you into wonderful love and compassion and caring. In a heavenly world that may not have much in common with the world in which you grew up. But maybe by reading this book to your child, and also believing very hard, you can make this come true???
Plus, you can take away important sayings. Maybe embroider some of these and hang them on your walls:
- "Don't fear the night, so dark and vast."
- "We are stronger together
than we are alone"
For the intended audience, this picture book would surely rate FIVE STARS.
Carin Berger, through this book, aims to dunk you into love. Dunk you into wonderful love and compassion and caring. In a heavenly world that may not have much in common with the world in which you grew up. But maybe by reading this book to your child, and also believing very hard, you can make this come true???
Plus, you can take away important sayings. Maybe embroider some of these and hang them on your walls:
- "Don't fear the night, so dark and vast."
- "We are stronger together
than we are alone"
For the intended audience, this picture book would surely rate FIVE STARS.
December 29, 2018
All of Us has a very nice message about letting love bolster spirits in times of distress and uncertainty. However, the diversity in the book seems to largely exclude people with disabilities. The medium the artist used certainly seems like it could support wider inclusion - and the collage style art is visually satisfying. While I enjoyed the spirit of the book, the story did not include all of us.
July 9, 2019
Thick matte paper. bold, colorful, double page collage illustrations. Diverse people represented individually and in multicultural groups of people.
"When your heart is heavy
And your step unsure
When the winds are wild
And the path unclear
Don't fear the night,
so dark and vast
or the hazy future
Or the stormy past
Know that I am here,
as steady as stone.
We are stronger together
Than we are alone.
Hope and light will always prevail
For love wins.
Love wins.
Love will never fail."
"When your heart is heavy
And your step unsure
When the winds are wild
And the path unclear
Don't fear the night,
so dark and vast
or the hazy future
Or the stormy past
Know that I am here,
as steady as stone.
We are stronger together
Than we are alone.
Hope and light will always prevail
For love wins.
Love wins.
Love will never fail."
May 26, 2018
"When your heart is heavy, and your step unsure, know that I am here, as steady as a stone." All of Us, by Carin Berger, is a combination of calming poetry and lovely illustrations that creates an especially peaceful and beautiful book. This would make a great gift book for Children ages 4 - 12 who are struggling with feelings of despair or loneliness.
July 27, 2018
I understand the sentiment that the hopefulness of the 'love wins' message may be hard to believe in with such darkness surrounding us, but I truly believe that our connection to one another and the love we can show others is as powerful as this book makes it seem. Beautiful collage art . . . great, non-specific social justice message.
April 15, 2019
Age: Preschool-1st grade
There are hard moments in our life that may leave us feeling lost; but, "know that I am here, as steady as a stone." A black and white hand clasp together as the author reassures us that love wins. The beginning has some heavy moments for a younger audience but the brevity of the story is a suitable read-aloud for all ages.
There are hard moments in our life that may leave us feeling lost; but, "know that I am here, as steady as a stone." A black and white hand clasp together as the author reassures us that love wins. The beginning has some heavy moments for a younger audience but the brevity of the story is a suitable read-aloud for all ages.
November 9, 2019
A quick and meaningful read. Not a lot of text on each page which is ideal for younger readers. Most of the illustrations on each page are in bold solid colors that make each page unique. The text does not necessarily create a story but is more like a pep talk for the reader. Great message in this book though it seems slightly forced.
February 27, 2020
I love this book even though it is really short but it is very meaningful. It basically says that we are stronger together and that love will never fail. I can see using this book in class to show my classmate that no matter how different we are, its better for us to stay together than being alone.
August 26, 2021
A short and uplifting ode to community/connection and the power of reaching out to others. Beautiful cut paper illustrations that could easily be used as inspiration for making collages with young listeners. Definitely the kind of book that is about imparting a message more than a story, but it is sweet and calming.
Themes: Togetherness, Community, Sharing, Love
Age range: Baby-Preschool
Themes: Togetherness, Community, Sharing, Love
Age range: Baby-Preschool
May 12, 2018
Great for discussions at morning meeting. Will be traveling with this one for awhile #BookLove for @CarinBerger’s #AllOfUs. Love wins. #TeachLove #SpreadLove. Great for illustration study and message of pictures and words. Celebrate community, kindness and the power of love.
July 20, 2018
This is a beautiful book with a beautiful message! We are stronger together and love does win! Though the text is simple it is suited for the older child, it has a rather deep meaning. I like the strong positive outlook on being part of a loving community.
July 31, 2018
Beautiful message, comforting and brief. All of us are stronger together! You have to read it to experience the strength of the illustrations and the few words. My youngest granddaughter and I spent a lot of time looking at all the people Carin Berger showed.
August 13, 2018
This book was so heart-felt, I had tears of happiness, and general warm feelings on every page! The moral of the story, no matter what, we are stronger together, and love ALWAYS wins. Excuse me while I go sob in joy for a few minutes.
September 6, 2018
I really loved this book. It is one of those picture books with many, many layers of meaning that you will get more out of each time you/a child read/s it. I especially loved the story-behind-the story told about the book on this blog post: https://taralazar.com/2018/08/22/all-...
October 3, 2018
This poem reminds readers that love always wins even when things feel sad. The illustrations are stunning, but I'm not sure how much young kids will understand the poem. It seemed to go over my storytime kids' heads.
October 9, 2018
Extremely spare art-piece about supporting/loving one another. 66 words. Begins a little in the vein of "Bridge Over Troubled Water." The Big Umbrella has almost the same word count, but gets deeper into its message.
May 17, 2018
Inspiring and lovely, perfect for dark days.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews