Everybody in the Red Brick Building by Anne Wynter, Donna Bray, Oge Mora
Published by Balzer + Bray on October 12, 2021
ISBN: 0062865765
Pages: 32
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Falling asleep can be tough! This picture book depicts an apartment building full of families of different ethnicities finding their way to sleep. Unfortunately, this sleepy building’s nighttime routine is interrupted by baby Izzie waking up, setting off a chain reaction of other kids in the building (along with some pets) finding reasons to stay awake as well, until the parents one by one manage to help their kids (and pets) back to bed and the building is finally able to fall asleep. 

This is a cumulative tale, adding and repeating dialogue and sound effects as the pages go on, which is a highly effective narrative device to help children’s language development. The text in this picture book is unique and evocative: using onomatopoeia and repetition of distinctive sound effects as we follow the reader through a whimsical tour of each apartment.

Illustration-wise, Oge Mora’s multimedia pictures are bright, bold, and textured in a way that keeps the eye engaged throughout the story without sacrificing complexity. The detailed choices for each set piece on each page is gorgeous and colorful. The illustrations complement and elevate the text, tying the story together effortlessly. 

The book would be an excellent choice for ages 0-5, for story times or lap sits. There is so much to spot with each illustration and both reader and listener will get a kick out of the cumulative dialogue of child and pet alike.

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth