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All Are Welcome
A warm, welcoming picture book that celebrates diversity and gives encouragement and support to all kids.
Follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where kids in patkas, hijabs, and yamulkes play side-by-side with friends in baseball caps. A school where students grow and learn from each other's traditions and the whole community gathers to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
All Are Welcome lets young children know that no matter what, they have a place, they have a space, they are welcome in their school.
Follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where kids in patkas, hijabs, and yamulkes play side-by-side with friends in baseball caps. A school where students grow and learn from each other's traditions and the whole community gathers to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
All Are Welcome lets young children know that no matter what, they have a place, they have a space, they are welcome in their school.
44 pages, Library Binding
First published July 10, 2018
92 people are currently reading
2521 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 842 reviews
November 13, 2025
The state of a country to ban this book, like the hell 🙃
June 27, 2018
Reading ALL ARE WELCOME felt like getting a big hug. Kindness and inclusiveness trump hate. I love this book. The art and text sing! Children will enjoy all of the detailed illustrations that bring the story to life. An uplifting book for anyone who needs a spark of hope.
October 28, 2018
Wow... Now that is a diverse children's book. Although, I guess if it wasn't, it would kind of defeat the whole purpose (and the title wouldn't make much sense)!
This simple rhyming picture book illustrates our differences and our similarities in a cute, accessible way. There are plenty of cultures represented, along with varied sexual orientations, family units, and disabilities. On the surface, it's a book about a school, but it goes deeper than that, too, with friendships that happen outside the classroom and parents who are brought together by their children's school events.
I've read some picture books that try too hard to include diversity; I found some of them a bit alienating, which is probably the opposite of what the authors were going for. In this case, though, this book doesn't try too hard to be more than it is. It doesn't need to. What we have here is a simple, uncomplicated look at diversity and inclusion. And it works.
This simple rhyming picture book illustrates our differences and our similarities in a cute, accessible way. There are plenty of cultures represented, along with varied sexual orientations, family units, and disabilities. On the surface, it's a book about a school, but it goes deeper than that, too, with friendships that happen outside the classroom and parents who are brought together by their children's school events.
I've read some picture books that try too hard to include diversity; I found some of them a bit alienating, which is probably the opposite of what the authors were going for. In this case, though, this book doesn't try too hard to be more than it is. It doesn't need to. What we have here is a simple, uncomplicated look at diversity and inclusion. And it works.
July 23, 2018
Whether you've lived in the same community your entire life or it's brand new for you, today is a different day. Today is the start of something filled with potential and unexpected twists and turns. Today is about being your best self and helping others to be the same.
As individuals open the doors of their school and walk down the hallways, they need to know everyone is accepted and appreciated regardless of physical characteristics, ethnicity, or religion. All Are Welcome (Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, July 10, 2018) written by Alexandra Penfold with illustrations by Suzanne Kaufman is like walking into a party where everyone got an invitation. All feel the jubilation of being honored equally.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
As individuals open the doors of their school and walk down the hallways, they need to know everyone is accepted and appreciated regardless of physical characteristics, ethnicity, or religion. All Are Welcome (Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, July 10, 2018) written by Alexandra Penfold with illustrations by Suzanne Kaufman is like walking into a party where everyone got an invitation. All feel the jubilation of being honored equally.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
February 21, 2022
Featured in a grandma reads session.
Reach out and include EVERYBODY! All are Welcome Here!
A fantastic book that gets the point across on every page - ALL ARE WELCOME HERE. . .no one is an outsider, no one is excluded.
My group nodded, thoroughly pleased with their understanding that reaching out is the job of both the Welcomer and the Welcomed.
Reach out and include EVERYBODY! All are Welcome Here!
A fantastic book that gets the point across on every page - ALL ARE WELCOME HERE. . .no one is an outsider, no one is excluded.
My group nodded, thoroughly pleased with their understanding that reaching out is the job of both the Welcomer and the Welcomed.
August 8, 2018
The perfect book for the first day of school. All children need to know they are welcome in their classrooms. ❤️
May 19, 2019
A wonderful picture book that repeats the statement, “All Are Welcome Here”. A great message for all to hear especially for our president.
September 27, 2019
In rhythmic phrases, emphasizes the inclusiveness, acceptance, and celebration of all cultures in a school community. Perfect for a first day of school read aloud!
August 14, 2018
It's the first day of school and the endpapers of this lovely book show a large group of wonderfully diverse kids and their parents/caregivers walking to a school with a big "All Are Welcome" banner across the entrance. Inside, kids spend their day getting to know each other and learning about their different cultural backgrounds through music, art, and stories. Even their lunches reflect their heritage and who they are. School here becomes what school should be everywhere: "We're part of a community/Our strength is our diversity/A shelter from adversity/All are welcome here." Besides cultural diversity, there is a blind student and one on a wheelchair, and there are a variety of families: single parents, moms and dads, two moms, two dads, and mixed race parents. The story is told in a three line rhyme that never falters and always end in the fourth line"All are welcome here" and no, it won't take kids long to begin chiming in on that line. The mixed-media illustrations are as bright and happy as the children and adults they depict. But wait, there's more: the back end paper shows the kids and their parents/caregivers leaving school at the end of the day, and if you take off the dust jacket, you will see each child up close and personal. This book should generate lots of conversations and there is much for kids to discover and talk about long after the first day of school is over.
June 20, 2023
Even my little local library bought this. As every library and school should. Lovely theme and images. Text sometimes doesn't quite work:
"We will learn from each other. Special talents we'll uncover. There's a big world to discover."
I don't like the middle line in that example. We can learn a lot more about each other than special talents. But the first and third line are a perfect pair.
"We will learn from each other. Special talents we'll uncover. There's a big world to discover."
I don't like the middle line in that example. We can learn a lot more about each other than special talents. But the first and third line are a perfect pair.
July 14, 2018
I hope this book ends up in all classrooms and libraries.
August 24, 2018
This was clearly published in Canada.
February 20, 2019
All Are Welcome, written by Alexandra Penfold and illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman, is a book about a school that celebrates diversity. The message of the story is that everybody is welcome, no matter what their differences. A school day is depicted showing activities such as art class and music class. The illustrations show diverse cultures, family structures, and religions. Readers can have fun looking over the pictures to see the many families represented.
This book would be of interest to young children due to its inclusive message and engaging illustrations. While it could be read to children as young as Pre-K, it is best suited for 2nd and 3rd grade students. This book could be read at the beginning of the school year to help the children feel comfortable. Teachers could use this book to discuss diversity and inclusiveness. Children could talk about the many cultures represented and compare their own daily lives to those depicted in the story. Also, the rhyming text could be used to engage the children in rhyming activities.
This book does not depict any one culture or language, rather it depicts many.
This book would be of interest to young children due to its inclusive message and engaging illustrations. While it could be read to children as young as Pre-K, it is best suited for 2nd and 3rd grade students. This book could be read at the beginning of the school year to help the children feel comfortable. Teachers could use this book to discuss diversity and inclusiveness. Children could talk about the many cultures represented and compare their own daily lives to those depicted in the story. Also, the rhyming text could be used to engage the children in rhyming activities.
This book does not depict any one culture or language, rather it depicts many.
July 18, 2018
In Alexandra Penfold's picture book, All Are Welcome, readers follow a diverse group of school children as they learn, eat, and play side-by-side in a world where all are welcome.
All Are Welcome is such a charming and timely celebration of diversity and inclusivity! Through sweet, fun rhymes Penfold creates a heartwarming and positive atmosphere and message of love, respect, and kindness. From the clothes the young characters wear to the things they eat, traditions they follow, religions they practice, families they come from, and more, Penfold beautifully shows that people and families come in all colors, shapes, and sizes.
Kaufman's lively and colorful illustrations perfectly capture Penfold's story and message. There is so much wonderful diversity represented in these illustrations, including children of various religions and cultures, children who are differently abled, and children from LGBTQ families.
All Are Welcome is the exact kind of picture book, so full of love and diversity, that the world needs right now!
All Are Welcome is such a charming and timely celebration of diversity and inclusivity! Through sweet, fun rhymes Penfold creates a heartwarming and positive atmosphere and message of love, respect, and kindness. From the clothes the young characters wear to the things they eat, traditions they follow, religions they practice, families they come from, and more, Penfold beautifully shows that people and families come in all colors, shapes, and sizes.
Kaufman's lively and colorful illustrations perfectly capture Penfold's story and message. There is so much wonderful diversity represented in these illustrations, including children of various religions and cultures, children who are differently abled, and children from LGBTQ families.
All Are Welcome is the exact kind of picture book, so full of love and diversity, that the world needs right now!
August 24, 2021
This seems like a very niche read-a-loud, the focus is on everyone being welcome at school. Maybe it would be great for the first day of school, but I don't see it doing well outside of that particular event.
Also, I know I'm a Grinch, but the first thing I think of when I see a title like 'All Are Welcome' is all the types of people that should NOT be welcome at a school...like felons for example.
Also, I know I'm a Grinch, but the first thing I think of when I see a title like 'All Are Welcome' is all the types of people that should NOT be welcome at a school...like felons for example.
July 1, 2020
Heartwarming. This book really represents every child and I’m so glad all types of children can see themselves in this book. I love the rhythm and the short sentences as they make the book flow so well.
August 18, 2018
A perfect read-aloud for the first week of school
July 15, 2019
For making your school welcoming and inclusive to all. First day read aloud by a principal? Classroom posters that coincide would be great.
March 14, 2020
The title says it all. ❤️
February 3, 2021
This is a great book for schools. If I were still teaching in the classroom, this would be one of my read aloud books at the beginning of the year. There is nothing exception about the plot and the message is straight forward. The art is what helps to make this a should have for classrooms and libraries. Suzanne Kaufman has done an excellent job illustrating a multicultural message.
May 19, 2025
All Are Welcome
I Picked Up This Book Because: Saw it on IG.
Media Type: eBook
Source: GP Public Library
Dates Read: 5/16/25
Rating: 5 Stars
The Story:
A quick story told in verse teaching acceptance of everyone. Illustrations support the message and are cute to boot.
I Picked Up This Book Because: Saw it on IG.
Media Type: eBook
Source: GP Public Library
Dates Read: 5/16/25
Rating: 5 Stars
The Story:
A quick story told in verse teaching acceptance of everyone. Illustrations support the message and are cute to boot.
October 19, 2020
I loved this rhyming book. It would be a great way to start a class , by welcoming everyone.
August 25, 2020
A lovely rhyming picture book with beautiful illustrations and a kind message.
October 2, 2018
First sentence: Pencils sharpened in their case. Bells are ringing, let's make haste. School's beginning, dreams to chase. All are welcome here. No matter how you start your day. What you wear when you play. Or if you come from far away. All are welcome here. In our classroom safe and sound. Fears are lost and hope is found. Raise your hand, we'll go around. All are welcome here.
Premise/plot: All are welcome at school. This picture book is written in verse. The first half seems to focus more on the school day. The second half seems to expand the focus and become more agenda-driven. When a book's message is especially well-received, readers--critics--praise it. Otherwise message-driven books are called didactic.
The book is a good reminder that all books--even picture books--have a world view.
My thoughts: Do we really need a picture book affirming that all are welcome at school?! Maybe, maybe not. I haven't decided yet.
From a literary viewpoint, the text is quite excellent. The rhythm and rhyme work for me. (Again focusing just on the literary aspects of it.) There are some phrases that are just beautiful.
I did have a problem with the 'passing bread' phrase of the text. The idea of SHARING food may sound poetic and lovely. But with so many food sensitivities and allergies being present the idea seems unpractical and even dangerous.
I mentioned that this is in some ways an agenda-driven book. This happens, in part, because of the text. But mainly this is through the illustrations. The text states ALL are welcome. But it is the illustrations that reveal the many, many, many examples of all.
From a spiritual viewpoint, this one is slightly more iffy. Tolerance. It all depends on how you define--view--tolerance. Is tolerance about civility, respect, kindness, compassion, empathy, treating others the way you'd want to be treated? This view is the old school view of tolerance. It makes sense--on all levels--not to treat people with hate, with anger, with disrespect, with cruelty. Name-calling, finger-pointing, shouting, getting into someone's personal space--there is no good excuse for such behavior ever.
But there's a new view of tolerance hanging around and taking hold. All absolutes have been done away with except one: there are no absolutes; all ideas, all beliefs, all philosophies, all lifestyles, all worldviews, all choices are equally true and valid--even when they clash, even when they contradict one another. To criticize an idea, a belief, a philosophy, a lifestyle, a worldview is not acceptable ever.
Which kind of tolerance is the book promoting? I'm not sure. I'm really not.
That being said...in my opinion...school and school-related activities are not the time and place to battle out ideas, to have debates and discussions, to engage (civil or not) with those who may disagree with us. Especially elementary school. (The illustrations place this one in an elementary school.) It isn't a teacher's place to judge her students' backgrounds. It isn't a parent's place to judge the backgrounds of other students. Indeed ALL should be welcome. Not just "welcome" but genuinely welcomed. (Just because school isn't an appropriate place doesn't mean that there isn't a time and place anywhere.)
Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 2 out of 5
Total: 6 out of 10
Premise/plot: All are welcome at school. This picture book is written in verse. The first half seems to focus more on the school day. The second half seems to expand the focus and become more agenda-driven. When a book's message is especially well-received, readers--critics--praise it. Otherwise message-driven books are called didactic.
The book is a good reminder that all books--even picture books--have a world view.
My thoughts: Do we really need a picture book affirming that all are welcome at school?! Maybe, maybe not. I haven't decided yet.
From a literary viewpoint, the text is quite excellent. The rhythm and rhyme work for me. (Again focusing just on the literary aspects of it.) There are some phrases that are just beautiful.
I did have a problem with the 'passing bread' phrase of the text. The idea of SHARING food may sound poetic and lovely. But with so many food sensitivities and allergies being present the idea seems unpractical and even dangerous.
I mentioned that this is in some ways an agenda-driven book. This happens, in part, because of the text. But mainly this is through the illustrations. The text states ALL are welcome. But it is the illustrations that reveal the many, many, many examples of all.
From a spiritual viewpoint, this one is slightly more iffy. Tolerance. It all depends on how you define--view--tolerance. Is tolerance about civility, respect, kindness, compassion, empathy, treating others the way you'd want to be treated? This view is the old school view of tolerance. It makes sense--on all levels--not to treat people with hate, with anger, with disrespect, with cruelty. Name-calling, finger-pointing, shouting, getting into someone's personal space--there is no good excuse for such behavior ever.
But there's a new view of tolerance hanging around and taking hold. All absolutes have been done away with except one: there are no absolutes; all ideas, all beliefs, all philosophies, all lifestyles, all worldviews, all choices are equally true and valid--even when they clash, even when they contradict one another. To criticize an idea, a belief, a philosophy, a lifestyle, a worldview is not acceptable ever.
Which kind of tolerance is the book promoting? I'm not sure. I'm really not.
That being said...in my opinion...school and school-related activities are not the time and place to battle out ideas, to have debates and discussions, to engage (civil or not) with those who may disagree with us. Especially elementary school. (The illustrations place this one in an elementary school.) It isn't a teacher's place to judge her students' backgrounds. It isn't a parent's place to judge the backgrounds of other students. Indeed ALL should be welcome. Not just "welcome" but genuinely welcomed. (Just because school isn't an appropriate place doesn't mean that there isn't a time and place anywhere.)
Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 2 out of 5
Total: 6 out of 10
August 13, 2020
Charming book, written in verse, is a wonderful read aloud to a primary class during the opening week of school. I hope students get the opportunity to really look at the illustrations. There is great diversity represented! I love the picture of the family meal event!
August 12, 2020
This would be a nice book to start the school year. It made me a little sad to see the children with a “normal” day at school - no social distancing or face masks - while knowing that our start to school will look much different this year.
October 2, 2019
Alexandra Penfold’s children’s book invites all children to feel welcome and safe in school and in the classroom. The book celebrates diversity by mentioning the differences in students culture, clothing, hobbies, food, and interests. The characters in the book are dressed in clothing from different religions and cultures.The characters always happy in a community where they feel safe and welcome. I enjoyed reading about lunch time. The students had 12 different kinds of bread and the students are sharing their bread with each other until everyone is fed. The book is very inclusive and it encourages children to look after each other the same way a family does. The book illustrates different flags from around the world and maps of students pointing to countries around the world. The illustrations provide the students with being able to see that the children come from all around the world. I would use this book as a teaching tool to create a welcoming atmosphere in the classroom. The students would be able to share their differences proudly in a safe environment. Celebrating and learning from each others differences is very healthy and beneficial for students to become close and look after one another.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2019
This book is very colorful and shows a community of a school that is diverse in so many ways. This book depicts the concept of multiculturism and diversity in a very attractive way. It shows a school community where everyone brings their individuality, culture, language, religion, talent, and uniqueness. The book shows how they work together and learn from each other. The pictures show that they are not only coexisting together, but they are also embracing each other.
This book can provide a mirror for each student to see themselves with their cultural and religious representation. I felt excited to see the picture of a girl in hijab because it provided me a mirror and I could see myself in the book because it showed my culture and religion. This book also provided a window to see other culture and how their food, music culture and religion is different from ours, but still, they are same as us and have feelings and they all are welcome in our school community.
This book can be used in Early childhood classroom to teach diversity, different cultures and help children understand that even though we have different culture, different religion different traditions, etc. we all care for each other and celebrate each other. It also ensures young children that they are safe and loved in this school community.
This book can provide a mirror for each student to see themselves with their cultural and religious representation. I felt excited to see the picture of a girl in hijab because it provided me a mirror and I could see myself in the book because it showed my culture and religion. This book also provided a window to see other culture and how their food, music culture and religion is different from ours, but still, they are same as us and have feelings and they all are welcome in our school community.
This book can be used in Early childhood classroom to teach diversity, different cultures and help children understand that even though we have different culture, different religion different traditions, etc. we all care for each other and celebrate each other. It also ensures young children that they are safe and loved in this school community.
August 1, 2018
This idea of All Are Welcome, truly being accepted and appreciated for who you are, is always necessary, but never as much as right now. All Are Welcome will help school communities to set the tone of learning from each other, of having safe living spaces in school & the community, not only for children but for adults as well! Within the pages of All Are Welcome we, adults and children, can see a place where diversity of every kind is accepted, valued and celebrated, and be inspired to strive to make our schools .
I don’t recall a book illustrated with this much diversity without it being kind of like a checklist of sorts. I appreciate how there is more than just mobility differently abled children, how food is displayed from more than 1-2 cultures and is used as a bond, a chance to learn from others and try new things with an open mind. Parents are displayed as being part of the classroom and of the school’s culture. Families are diverse in more than cultural background, they are beautifully displayed in every type of unit, makeup, and shapes (not everyone is thin and tall)!
This is the story of how we are meant to be, living, loving, learning, understanding, respecting, caring for each other. Discuss with children and families how can we all contribute to our school community becoming more and more like the “Kimball Cougars.” (This is the school in the story & the name of the school the illustrator’s child goes to, which also served as inspiration for the illustrations!)
I don’t recall a book illustrated with this much diversity without it being kind of like a checklist of sorts. I appreciate how there is more than just mobility differently abled children, how food is displayed from more than 1-2 cultures and is used as a bond, a chance to learn from others and try new things with an open mind. Parents are displayed as being part of the classroom and of the school’s culture. Families are diverse in more than cultural background, they are beautifully displayed in every type of unit, makeup, and shapes (not everyone is thin and tall)!
This is the story of how we are meant to be, living, loving, learning, understanding, respecting, caring for each other. Discuss with children and families how can we all contribute to our school community becoming more and more like the “Kimball Cougars.” (This is the school in the story & the name of the school the illustrator’s child goes to, which also served as inspiration for the illustrations!)
September 28, 2019
All Are Welcome By Alexandra Penfold, is a book about inclusion and diversity and follows children through a day of school where they are all accepted. The whole school celebrates and learns from each other's different backgrounds. This book is a New York Times Bestseller. This is a high quality book because of the beautiful way it shows how children can be accepted which is why I recommend this book. This book is for all kinds of students, from different races or religions. I would say its more for young readers as the illustrations are very alluring and the message captures the attention of younger readers. This book is targeted for children from PreK-3rd grade, I would specifically use it for Kindergarten-2nd. This is another great book to use in the beginning of the year, to get students to feel safe and comfortable in school and their classroom. It is a great book to have students accept themselves and their peers for who they are and not feel any different. Starting the year off with making our students feel safe and included is a great foundation for the rest of the school year.
This is a great book to read to children as it demonstrates that no matter who you are or where you're form, that at school you will be welcomed no matter what.
This is a great book to read to children as it demonstrates that no matter who you are or where you're form, that at school you will be welcomed no matter what.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 842 reviews