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Our Home: The Love, Work, and Heart of Family
Our Home is about the power of families, their beautiful but unending work, and the special connection between family members who share a space.
It’s funny to get so excited about things we may think of as chores.
But what if you thought of it this way—each job is a hug at its core!
Follow a diverse cast of families as they discover all it takes to make their homes welcoming and cared-for places. From making their bed to helping in the kitchen, readers will realize how much they contribute and the value of all family members sharing this beautiful work.
With gorgeous, eye-catching illustrations, Our Home is sure to become a family favorite. And as your child reads along, they’ll learn that taking care of the home isn’t just a chore—it’s an act of love and joy that can bring the whole family together.
It’s funny to get so excited about things we may think of as chores.
But what if you thought of it this way—each job is a hug at its core!
Follow a diverse cast of families as they discover all it takes to make their homes welcoming and cared-for places. From making their bed to helping in the kitchen, readers will realize how much they contribute and the value of all family members sharing this beautiful work.
With gorgeous, eye-catching illustrations, Our Home is sure to become a family favorite. And as your child reads along, they’ll learn that taking care of the home isn’t just a chore—it’s an act of love and joy that can bring the whole family together.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published April 30, 2024
1 person is currently reading
2463 people want to read
About the author
Lori Sugarman-Li
1 book6 followersLori Sugarman-Li believes deeply in the power of families and is a passionate voice in the cultural shift aiming to articulate the value and visibility of unpaid work.
Her career as a Communications Strategist, combined with a decade devoted to full-time care of her family, community, and children's charities worldwide, served as the inspirational backdrop for her professional relaunch as a Coach, Speaker, and Author.
She is dedicated to fostering meaningful conversations within families, encouraging them to contemplate how they care for one another and their shared space.
Lori, her husband, and two sons are Canadian-born and live steps from Lake Michigan in Chicago.
Her career as a Communications Strategist, combined with a decade devoted to full-time care of her family, community, and children's charities worldwide, served as the inspirational backdrop for her professional relaunch as a Coach, Speaker, and Author.
She is dedicated to fostering meaningful conversations within families, encouraging them to contemplate how they care for one another and their shared space.
Lori, her husband, and two sons are Canadian-born and live steps from Lake Michigan in Chicago.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 8, 2024
I love and adore this book, it is so cute!!!
March 29, 2024
I love this sweet picture book about all the ways we care for our home and show our family we care. The re-framing of chores as hugs to our home & family is a neat mindset shift. Thanks to The Collective Book Studio for an arc through the Publisher’s Weekly LLX Grab a Galley contest!
April 6, 2024
Our Home by Lori Sugarman-Li is a cute children’s story.
The book shows how families come in so many different styles and shapes, living in different environments and house styles, but we all have the same needs and desires. The book is heartwarming and sweet, showing how we are all different, but also the same. The book is a quick easy read that captivates and holds little one’s attention.
The illustrations are bright and fun. Maria Perera does a great job creating fun heartwarming drawings that bring joy to the reader. Her drawings are extremely detailed, capturing omens and experiences.
The book shows how families come in so many different styles and shapes, living in different environments and house styles, but we all have the same needs and desires. The book is heartwarming and sweet, showing how we are all different, but also the same. The book is a quick easy read that captivates and holds little one’s attention.
The illustrations are bright and fun. Maria Perera does a great job creating fun heartwarming drawings that bring joy to the reader. Her drawings are extremely detailed, capturing omens and experiences.
October 16, 2024
A sweet little picture book about how everyone in families can help with domestic labor to keep home feeling warm, bright, and safe.
It reminded me of how serene Ice Bear makes cooking and cleaning look in We Bare Bears, and I like the idea of helping kids be cognizant of the logistics and effort behind making sure everyone gets fed, clothed, bathed, and taken to various appointments and activities. Not in a guilt-trippy way, but to encourage them to feel part of and participate in the larger dynamic, in age-appropriate ways.
The rhyming felt a little forced to me at times, I wish the phrasing had been less clunky. And, as diverse as the characters were, there was a distinct lack of disability and how that can profoundly impact upkeep with household tasks. To be clear, it did not claim to address this. It just felt like a (maybe unfair/unreasonable) blindspot to me personally, especially compared to the nuanced representation of, say, Bodies Are Cool.
It reminded me of how serene Ice Bear makes cooking and cleaning look in We Bare Bears, and I like the idea of helping kids be cognizant of the logistics and effort behind making sure everyone gets fed, clothed, bathed, and taken to various appointments and activities. Not in a guilt-trippy way, but to encourage them to feel part of and participate in the larger dynamic, in age-appropriate ways.
The rhyming felt a little forced to me at times, I wish the phrasing had been less clunky. And, as diverse as the characters were, there was a distinct lack of disability and how that can profoundly impact upkeep with household tasks. To be clear, it did not claim to address this. It just felt like a (maybe unfair/unreasonable) blindspot to me personally, especially compared to the nuanced representation of, say, Bodies Are Cool.
January 15, 2026
This is such an important topic and this book does an excellent job of contributing in a meaningful, thoughtful and engaging way. Beautifully done.
May 2, 2024
I honestly have never read a book like this! It’s so easy for children to not fully understand everything that goes into how a family and home runs. What a beautiful way to introduce it to them! Our Home by Lori Sugarman-Li is a treasure for every family. From cleaning and yard tasks to the caregiving and planning that makes our special days fun, it’s such a gem!
April 2, 2024
#OurHome #NetGalley
This book made me so happy!!
The rhymes felt unique and almost effortless, which is always great when you have rhyming the whole way through. It really helped the story to flow nicely and nearly felt like a song.
The pictures!! The pictures were absolutely beautiful, the illustrator is truly so talented. The bright yet realistic colors and lighting are a huge part of what made me so happy reading this book. It was very refreshing.
Lastly, the message. I feel like there aren't enough books out there that encourage kids to do chores and help their parents/guardians around the house. And, this book made chores seem so fun and wholesome, which is perfect for kids to learn. The author really emphasizes that doing chores around the house is a way to bring your family closer together and show love for the place you live in.
Also, this was so naturally diverse, it was so uplifting. There is a page with two moms and a kid, and there is a line that made me smile: "And the way different families will manage them all [chores], well, that's for each to choose." The back synopsis even sums this up, mentioning that there is a wide range of types of families in the whole book.
In less words, I loved this book. It filled me with joy, and I think it will do the same for kids, or just anyone else!
This book made me so happy!!
The rhymes felt unique and almost effortless, which is always great when you have rhyming the whole way through. It really helped the story to flow nicely and nearly felt like a song.
The pictures!! The pictures were absolutely beautiful, the illustrator is truly so talented. The bright yet realistic colors and lighting are a huge part of what made me so happy reading this book. It was very refreshing.
Lastly, the message. I feel like there aren't enough books out there that encourage kids to do chores and help their parents/guardians around the house. And, this book made chores seem so fun and wholesome, which is perfect for kids to learn. The author really emphasizes that doing chores around the house is a way to bring your family closer together and show love for the place you live in.
Also, this was so naturally diverse, it was so uplifting. There is a page with two moms and a kid, and there is a line that made me smile: "And the way different families will manage them all [chores], well, that's for each to choose." The back synopsis even sums this up, mentioning that there is a wide range of types of families in the whole book.
In less words, I loved this book. It filled me with joy, and I think it will do the same for kids, or just anyone else!
May 21, 2024
Although we’re all different, we are connected by the bonds of family. We come from different cultures and live in various types of homes, and those unique traits are celebrated in “Our Home: The Love, Work, and Heart of Family” (The Collective Book Studio), a picture book by Lori Sugarman-Li. From the food we share, the chores we do around the house, and our special family traditions, we are bound by love and togetherness.
These pages are full of diversity, and include many representations of family life. The amazingly beautiful illustrations are drawn with terrific detail by artist Maria Perera. Along with the passionate rhyming story, “Our Home” makes a wonderful ode to the work and love found at the heart of families worldwide.
These pages are full of diversity, and include many representations of family life. The amazingly beautiful illustrations are drawn with terrific detail by artist Maria Perera. Along with the passionate rhyming story, “Our Home” makes a wonderful ode to the work and love found at the heart of families worldwide.
June 3, 2024
Our Home is an incredibly sweet picture book that shows all sorts of different families and the homes that they have made their own. It discusses all of the little jobs that are needed to keep homes nice & cozy and gives kids easy ideas on ways that they can help take ownership of their home.
I loved how the book really showed appreciation for all of the parents that make homes run so smoothly & clearly communicated that to kids without being preachy about chores. The illustrations were amazing and each home showcased different qualities & love.
I would definitely recommend this one to anyone who reads picture books. Thanks to NetGalley, Lori Sugarman-Li, and The Collective Book Studio for the chance to read and review!
I loved how the book really showed appreciation for all of the parents that make homes run so smoothly & clearly communicated that to kids without being preachy about chores. The illustrations were amazing and each home showcased different qualities & love.
I would definitely recommend this one to anyone who reads picture books. Thanks to NetGalley, Lori Sugarman-Li, and The Collective Book Studio for the chance to read and review!
March 13, 2024
"Our Home" is the gem that every family needs on their bookshelf. It beautifully illuminates the warmth and love that permeate our homes, artfully connecting these cherished feelings to the essential, yet often unnoticed, work required to foster them. Reading this book has become a favorite activity in my household, sparking meaningful discussions about the many forms of invisible labor that contribute to making our family and home environment flourish. Hats off to Lori for bringing this unseen world to light and instilling in children an early appreciation for the significance and influence of caregiving in the home.
March 26, 2024
The next generation will be better equipped with the skills necessary to care for their households - and for each other! - because of amazing resources like this book. Lori Sugarman-Li expertly introduces young readers to the idea that doing their part at home, even something as small as throwing away a tissue, is one way for everyone, kids and adults alike, to express that they value the health and happiness of their families. I can’t wait to gift this book to my friends and family members with children!
November 18, 2025
What a charming book that packs essential life lessons into an easy-to-read primer for kids of all ages! I love how it reframes the shared work inside a home in ways that are collaborative, kind, and accessible even for young children. As a mom who has dealt with the frustration of the invisible work of caregiving, this book resonated deeply with me. Lori Sugarman-Li’s loving words give families language that empowers everyone to contribute with pride.
— Sharon Macey, host of the award-winning podcast Mom To MORE®
— Sharon Macey, host of the award-winning podcast Mom To MORE®
March 25, 2024
Our Home is a beautifully written book that has inspired the young children in our family to take a greater sense of ownership, excitement and pride in making a contribution to daily or weekly responsibilities around the house. This book quickly catapulted itself to the top of our bedtime story rotation, and has remained in high demand ever since, as the theme about family teamwork and collaboration has jumped from the page to reality. Highly recommend this book.
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April 28, 2024I LOVED this book!! I read it to my 6 year old son. As I was reading I thought maybe he wouldn’t totally get the idea but it’s so smartly written that he totally got it and even started asking what kinds of things he could do to help!! We have read it several times over and we both love the story and the colorful pictures to go along with it. Highly recommend this book! It would be a great book to have in the classrooms to read in school too! Love!!
July 7, 2024
I thought this was pretty boring, but according to other comments this was apparently a big win with their little ones so maybe I don't know what I'm talking about. I think I would have liked this better if the book focused on one family and their children learning to take pride and ownership in their home, rather than a collection of families that we only see once or twice. I also thought the rhyming made the text clunky.
February 24, 2025
This book is phenomenal for kids of all ages. Lori Sugarman-Li is redefining how we think about household chores, and I'm here for it. Our Home beautifully illustrates the important role every family member plays in maintaining a home. Too often, the invisible labor and mental load fall on one (extremely exhausted) parent. Let's change the dynamic! This book is a great way to start the conversation. The illustrations are beautiful too.
March 21, 2024
Our Home carries a significant message about the importance of sharing responsibilities and understanding all that it takes to run a home. Everyone in the family has an important role to play, and no one person should shoulder the workload alone. The artwork is incredible and offers opportunities to explore many different topics with my daughter.
April 1, 2024
I can honestly say, this book touched me so much. As a busy, working mom and military spouse, things just seem so hard sometimes. I always like to remind my kids to find the little things in each day, that we are a team and to celebrate wins, big or small. This book perfectly summed that feeling up and made it easy for kids to understand. I just really really loved this one!
April 2, 2024
This book is the CUTEST! I absolutely love the message and the illustrations. It's decently inclusive in the illustrations which is always great to see. I also love that it teaches kids about being grateful for all of the behind the scenes things that go along with running a household and making it a home as well as different things that they can do to help.
June 2, 2024
A really sweet book about what goes into a home. Each person learning and helping each other. Making a mess or mistake and trying again. Appreciating each other and all that is done for you that you don’t even think about!
I loved this and I think it’s a good opportunity to talk with kids about these things. To take things a step at a time and help them learn responsibility.
I loved this and I think it’s a good opportunity to talk with kids about these things. To take things a step at a time and help them learn responsibility.
January 8, 2024
An incredible and touching book. A must read for families with young children. This book highlights the love that is shared in so many ways within each home and acts as a guide to how families can enhance everyday tasks and infuse them with meaning.
April 2, 2024
A lovely way to show how chores fit into a family and different ways a child can help depending on what they are capable of. The rhymes were lovely and the illustrations were perfect. Everyone’s home is different, but also in some ways the same.
April 6, 2024
I love this book so much! The book has a beautiful message, families are work and everyone from the smallest to the biggest play a part and have a role in helping to keep the family running as a unit. In particular the rhyming is so great and my kids and I love the cadence of each page. The illustrations are colorful and fun and representative of so many families. This is a winner!
April 25, 2024
A delightful picture book that encourages children to help around the house without feeling heavy-handed. It embraces different family dynamics in the background while celebrating what all families share in the foreground.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this title on Edelweiss.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this title on Edelweiss.
April 29, 2024
An important book at just the right time. Family systems are ripe for disruption and no better way to start this conversation than by reading this magical book as a staging point. Thank you to the author for putting this information out into the ether!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2024
A fantastic and important book. Beautifully written and illustrated. It covers the essential labor that keeps our lives going. A love letter to the adults who keep things going and a sweet lesson for the next generation. Love it!
February 5, 2026
Lori shares a perspective that shifts our views on daily chores and everyday responsibilities, into actions of respect and gratitude for the family and the home. It's a beautifully written and illustrated picture book that is relevant for all ages. I can't recommend this book enough!
March 17, 2026
this book feels nicely, but it is a little bit lengthy for the age of my children and even my ADD attention span. I felt like the last half of the book is what I was hoping for. I think I will just use the pictures to talk to my kids about the concepts rather than reading it over and over.
March 15, 2024
My only complaint about this book is that it was not available when my kids were younger. All families need to incorporate this book into their lives.
March 20, 2024
Incredible! This is the book our family was looking for.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews