More or Less - by Alison Hughes (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Celebrate the power of living more sustainably, simply, and generously in this inspiring visual adventure from Alison Hughes and Caldecott honoree Oge Mora!

What if less could be more?

A child's bedroom, and the rest of his house, has become cluttered with stuff. But when one small act of giving something away sparks joy, he keeps going--and before you know it, his little sister, friends, and family get involved in donating items to people in need and bringing the whole community together for a swap party. Here is a heartening story that illustrates for the youngest readers how less can be MORE: more space for living, loving, and knowing that we already have PLENTY.

Brought to life in intricate collage by award-winning artist Oge Mora, More or Less takes the meaning of "reduce, reuse, recycle" into the realm of community-building and the cultivation of kindness and meaning.

Review Quotes

Praise for Saturday:

Publishers Weekly Most Anticipated Children's Books of Fall 2019
A Fall 2019 Kids' Indie Next List
A NYPL Best Books of 2019
A School LibraryJournal Best Picture Books of 2019
ParentsMagazine 30 Best Kids' Books of 2019
An Amazon Best Children's Book of 2-19 Ages 3-5
Kirkus Reviews Best Children's books of 2019
A 2019 Horn Book Fanfare

"Once again, Mora paces her tale perfectly, and her collage art delights and enchants." --The New York Times Book Review

* "How wonderful: a book with both racial diversity and class diversity that feels authentic. Special and splendid." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "The family handles the stress of dashed expectations in a way that acknowledges disappointment while conveying the buoyancy of resilience and the joy of their bond. And a delightful coda may inspire readers to share the inventive way they salvage their day." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "The simple yet heartfelt story tugs at the emotions, but it's the paper collage artwork that really packs a punch. Created with acrylic paints, china markers, patterned paper, and print clippings, the bright illustrations are inventively conceived and full of motion-just the right vehicle for bringing this Black mother-daughter duo to vibrant life." --Booklist, starred review

Praise for Thank You, Omu!:

A 2019 Caldecott Honor Book
Winner of the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award
An ALA Children's Notables List Selection 2019
CCBC Choices 2019
A New York Times Notable Children's Book of 2018
A Bank Street College Best Children's Book of 2018
A Publishers' Weekly Best Book of 2018
A Boston Globe Best Children's Book of 2018
A School Library Journal Best Book of 2018
A New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice Staff Pick
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2018
2019 E.B. White Read-Aloud Award Finalist
Jumpstart Read for the Record Selection 2019

* "A memorable tale of community and the unexpected rewards of sharing." --School Library Journal, starred review

* "A lovely story of giving and community founded in Nigerian culture. Delectable." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Mora [is] a major new talent.... Rhythmic, refrainlike...this sweet story of inclusivity, gratitude, and delicious fellowship is also a feast for the eyes." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

About the Author

Alison Hughes has published more than 20 books for young people including What Matters and The Silence Slips In. She was a finalist for the Governor General's Literary Awards, won the Writers' Union of Canada Writing for Children Award, and has been nominated 11 times for children's choice awards. When she's not writing, she works as a university writing advisor and editor. Alison lives in Alberta, Canada and she invites you to visit her website at alisonhughesbooks.com.

Oge Mora is the creator of Thank You, Omu!, a Caldecott Honor, Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award winner, and Ezra Jack Keats Book Award recipient. Her second book, Saturday, won the 2020 Boston Globe­-Horn Book Picture Book Award. She has also illustrated several books for children including I'm From by Gary R. Gray Jr., Everybody in the Red Brick Building by Anne Wynter, and The Oldest Student by Rita Lorraine Hubbard. Oge resides in Providence, Rhode Island and she invites you to visit her website at ogemora.com.