Space for Everyone

By: Seina Wedlick

Narrated by: Keylor Leigh

This lyrical and heartwarming picture book follows a Nigerian girl who worries about her family's upcoming move. But she soon realizes that no matter where they go, there will always be room at their kitchen table for her community to gather around.

When Zainab runs down the stairs in the morning, she knows what she'll find: Papa cooking at the stove, Mama pouring tea, and then everyone gathering around the family table. Neighbors stop by, and there's plenty of room for them, too. There are so many beloved rituals that happen at the table: homework and crafts, aunties coming to plait hair, and festive gatherings with neighbors and relatives. But soon boxes start piling up around the house, and Zainab worries about the move—will the rituals feel the same in her new home?

In the new house, the family table still feels cozy to sit around. And soon, old neighbors and new friends stop by, and everyone is welcome at the table. Meg Medina's Evelyn Del Ray is Moving Away meets Peter H. Reynolds's Our Table in this heartwarming story about how difficult it is to move, but how connecting with community makes everything better.

Critic reviews

★ "[A] bighearted tale....Warm, cheerful artwork and stylized characters portrayed with brown skin populate cozy family scenes, while gentle prose makes room for everyone, no matter the group’s size." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Space for Everyone reminds readers to be open and optimistic, in their hearts as well as their homes....an affirming depiction of a strong, loving Black community." —Booklist

Nice Listening Experience

This was a nice story to listen to. The speaker’s voice was clear, with great inflections to convey the emotions of the story, which was well written.