The Heart of Our Home

By: Janelle Washington

Narrated by: Melinda Sewak

“The audiobook is peaceful; Melinda Sewak's rhythmic narration is accompanied by soft acoustic guitar music that evokes love and warmth...These sounds don't overwhelm the narration; instead they help to make this audiobook an immersive experience for all...” — Booklist (Starred Review)

This debut from Caldecott honor-winning creator Janelle Washington (Choosing Brave) is a timeless ode to one family's kitchen table: stained, scratched, and full of love.

The heart of this family’s home beats steadily at the round wooden kitchen table.

Every morning, they gather around it for breakfast. In the afternoons, it’s where homework gets done, and where art projects, and sometimes brownies, are made. On Fridays, it's where they prepare the fish fry.

Anniversaries, birthday parties, graduations. All are celebrated at their kitchen table.

When they tell their stories, it listens. And when they cry, it gives comfort.

Their kitchen table is a place for family, friends, and memories.

A Macmillan Audio production from Roaring Brook Press

Critic reviews

"[An] emotionally and visually layered celebration of connection, culture, and family that focuses on the ways a stalwart object can reinforce engagement and community in the everyday." -Publishers Weekly

"The love and warmth the family shares glows on each page." -Booklist

"[Washington's] images boast bright colors, rich textures (the grain of the wooden table is particularly eye-catching), and a level of detail so intricate, it’s hard to believe the artist relied on cut paper alone. Her straightforward prose often ripples across the page, conveying warmth and visual verve... Pure family joy." -Kirkus