Maybe I Can Love My Neighbor Too

by Jennifer Grant, Benjamin Schipper (Illustrations)

In this follow-up to the award-winning Maybe God Is Like That Too, a young girl wonders how to be a good neighbor to the dozens of people in her apartment building, the people on the street, and the other kids at the park. With help from her mama, the girl discovers that all it takes is a little kindness and creativity to show love to neighbors near and far.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Religion, Faith, Christian, Theology

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

Jennifer Grant is a writer and editor in Chicago.

She worked as a health and family life columnist for the Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times Media newspapers for more than a decade. Grant has been published in magazines including Woman's Day and Chicago Parent.

She is the author of six works of nonfiction for adults, including "When Did Everybody Else Get So Old?" (Herald Press, 2017) and "Dimming the Day" (Broadleaf Books, 2021).

She has also written seven books for children, including the bestselling "Maybe God Is Like That Too" (Beaming Books, 2017) and the recent releases, "Finding Calm in Nature" (Beaming Books, 2023) and "What If I Can't Explain God?" (Beaming Books, 2023).

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Find her online at jennifergrant.com
Instagram: @jennifergrantwriter

Reviews

[Christie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New York City kid learns how to love others by watching others demonstrate love to neighbors near and far. Technically I think this is a Christian book although it's not explicit, and I think it's pretty awesome that this Christian book has a kid learning to love her neighbor through the kindness of her Muslim neighbors. We need more of this message in the world.

[Lesa Engelthaler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who is my neighbor? In this gorgeously illustrated children's book, author Grant proposes an ancient question that in today's harsh and divided world is as relevant as it has ever been. The girl asks her mama, "I know I'm supposed to love my neighbors, but how can I love that many people?" Mama says, "Maybe start by noticing the ways others show love." A genius transition to help children (and the adults reading to them) focus on the kindnesses of others, not just themselves. The rest of the book is the girl observing the neighborly acts of kindness around her. Each time concluding, "Maybe I can love my neighbor too." After reading it, I went on a walk in my neighborhood and as if for the first time noticed so much love. Buy it for yourself then read it to your kids.

[Glenys Nellist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through the pages of this delightful picture book, a little girl learns that "Everyone in the whole world is my neighbor. And I can love them too." Is there any lesson more important? A resounding five stars for 'Maybe I Can Love My Neighbor Too' where Jennifer Grant's simple language conveys a powerful, much-needed message.

[J. Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just received my copy of Jennifer Grant's "Maybe I can Love My Neighbor Too" and am delighted. As a Quaker who believes there is that of God in each person on this planet, I resonate with its message. With so much hate and dissension in our world, it is time for a practical helpful book to teach our children -- and those of us who will read this to them -- how to love. Everybody. No exceptions!

[Sheila Dunaway Alford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the message of this book. We know we are supposed to love our neighbors, but what does that look like? Jennifer Grant puts it in simple terms that children can understand. I can see parents and children exploring other unique ways to help their own neighbors.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

In its bright pages, this book embodies its message of neighborliness, welcoming the child to turn the next page, & the one after that, to absorb the richness of a community that he or she can help to build.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A girl wonders about who her neighbors are and her mother teaches her that everyone is her neighbor! Throughout the day she observes her mother perform acts of kindness and thinks about ways that she can be a good neighbor too. There are different examples of current social issues in the book. A really great read with a biblical perspective. This is a companion book to Maybe God Is Like That Too, I hope to see more from this team in the future!

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little girl wonders who her neighbor is and how to love them. As she observes loving actions of others around her, she gathers ideas of how she can show love too.

This book does a great job of breaking down a potentially complicated idea into something that's very easy for kids to grasp. A great discussion starter picture book. Highly recommended.

[Emily✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this one as much as Maybe God is Like That Too, but it's still very sweet and the illustrations show a diverse range of people.

[Gina Dalfonzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer's story of a young Latina girl observing the world around her and learning what it means to love her neighbor is charming, and delightfully illustrated. More than that, it's a valuable reminder of how to show love in practical, concrete, everyday ways.

[Deborah Porras · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has much more diverse representation in the illustrations than a similar book “what if everyone did that?” And could be used together or in place of it to teach the end point that if everyone did things to help and love the world would be great!

[MaryAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of books tell kids they should love everyone. This one does a nice job of showing kids how to put that in action. It is a bit simple in both story and art but it conveys its message well and in a relatable fashion. It will work great in my setting with kindergarteners.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I liked Maybe God Is Like That Too a little better, but there was a good message and plenty of charm to this sequel.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story of a girl who learns that her neighbors can be anywhere. Simple examples of showing love that anyone can do.

[Danette · Rating 3 out of 5]

1/20/20 Read with Julia

[Michelle Nietert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how practical this book was helping kids and families think through ways to love their neighbor. It’s so beautifully written.

[Shivakukatla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice 😊👍🏻.

[Angela De Groot · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young girl shows the many ways we can be good neighbors with kindness and creativity.

[Laura Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this delightful picture book, Grant addresses the poignant question we should all be asking... how can I love my neighbor? As a little girl living in a high rise ponders who her neighbors are, her mother explains that neighbors are not just the people who live close by—they are people everywhere. The girl starts noticing ways in which others show love to their neighbors and is overjoyed to discover she is able to do the same. A much-needed message for all ages told in a way in which children will easily understand—plus some very cool illustrations!
I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.