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Common Threads: Adam's Day at the Market
Adam and his family spend an exciting day at the colorful and bustling Eastern Market. But when Adam gets briefly separated from Mom and Dad, he mistakes a friendly, diverse cast of characters for his parents in their traditional Muslim clothing--and shows that we all have more in common than you might think. This nearly-wordless picture book celebrates diversity and community in vibrant, dynamic art.
32 pages, ebook
Published September 15, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 27, 2020
Wordless book that captures a range of cultures and has some good information about diversity.
January 25, 2020
Adam, a young Muslim boy, accompanies his parents to the crowded Eastern Market in Detroit but gets separated from them. He goes up to a number of strangers, mistaking them for his mother and father, because they have similar clothes or a similar skin color. Adam has brown skin. His mother does as well, and is wearing a blue hijab. His father has lighter skin and is wearing a Kufi (a brimless, short, rounded cap) and traditional tunic common to the Indian sub-continent. But at this diverse market, there are many people who are dressed like that.
For example, a nun’s habit looks similar to his mother’s garb, as does the costume of an African woman in a kanga. A Jewish man wearing a yarmulke reminds him of his father. Representatives of other cultures are all over the market, although their costumes are not identified in the book.
Most of the story is conveyed by illustrator Mercé Tous, since the book only has 13 words. But Adam’s increasing panic is clear, as is the growing concern by the others he approaches. When Adam is finally reunited with his parents, all the adults happily come together and introduce themselves to each other.
An Afterword called “Becoming a Cultural Detective” encourages kids to ask questions “respectfully and kindly” to learn more about the dress and culture of others. The author suggests, “When we recognize our similarities and differences, using kindness as a guide, we can all thrive in this world we share.”
Evaluation: Because this book is nearly wordless, it would be great for a younger audience (suggested age is 3-9) who can be encouraged to guess what they think the characters are thinking and feeling. Older readers might want to explore more about the different cultures and clothing shown. Readers of all ages will get the message that we are all more alike than different.
For example, a nun’s habit looks similar to his mother’s garb, as does the costume of an African woman in a kanga. A Jewish man wearing a yarmulke reminds him of his father. Representatives of other cultures are all over the market, although their costumes are not identified in the book.
Most of the story is conveyed by illustrator Mercé Tous, since the book only has 13 words. But Adam’s increasing panic is clear, as is the growing concern by the others he approaches. When Adam is finally reunited with his parents, all the adults happily come together and introduce themselves to each other.
An Afterword called “Becoming a Cultural Detective” encourages kids to ask questions “respectfully and kindly” to learn more about the dress and culture of others. The author suggests, “When we recognize our similarities and differences, using kindness as a guide, we can all thrive in this world we share.”
Evaluation: Because this book is nearly wordless, it would be great for a younger audience (suggested age is 3-9) who can be encouraged to guess what they think the characters are thinking and feeling. Older readers might want to explore more about the different cultures and clothing shown. Readers of all ages will get the message that we are all more alike than different.
August 31, 2019
This almost wordless picture book speaks volumes about the connections between humans, even when they might seem quite different. When Adam is distracted by a blue jay while his family is shopping at the local market, he becomes lost and confused, especially when he realizes that the adult whose blue skirt he's touching as he tries to point out how the bird is eating does not belong to his mother. From there, he moves to another woman whose skirt seems similar to hers. When it turns out not to be his mother, he spies a man whose attire seems to be similar to his father's. But that man isn't his father either. Everything turns out just fine since all of the adults are kind and work together to reunite the family. The last picture shows Adam displaying a blue jay feather he picked up during his time following the bird. Youngsters will probably relate to the story since it is scary to be separated from parents in an unfamiliar place. But teachers and caregivers can also use this story to help them note the similarities and differences in the characters as well as encouraging them to satisfy their curiosity about those who might dress differently than them but still have caring hearts. I would imagine that most readers will finish this book with a strong sense that there are good people in the world, whether they look like us or not. I appreciated how the illustrations showed Adam feeling a little bit anxious as he searched but not becoming overwhelmed or so frightened that he was frozen.
August 14, 2020
Common Threads is a children's picture book. This story is about a boy who loses his parents at a supermarket and runs into strangers thinking that they are his parents. I like this story because many people can relate to it and it sends a good message about people that are different from ourselves. I really enjoyed how many different cultural and ethnic groups are placed into the everyday setting through the illustrations, however the story did fail to really capture my attention. The book was shorter than i would have liked it to be considering images were the only thing telling the story and many of the images looked similar. Nothing really stood out or caught my eye. At the end of the story there was a long text explaining the message of the book, which i really enjoyed. Since this book was stritly pictures there wasn't any text to analyze. The pictures were somewhat colorful but it seems as if each age almost told the same thing over again. Overall, the story was poor with a great message that many readers could learn a lot from. I could possibly use this book to teach a short lesson on diversity even though it would have to be accompanied by other books to make an impact.
August 31, 2019
Age: Kindergarten-2nd grade
Identity: Muslim American author, Caucasian Spanish illustrator
A mostly wordless picture book depicts a young boy frantically looking for his parents after being separated from them at the outdoor market. Each stranger he meets shares a similar clothing with his parents. In the end, he is reunited and the parents thank the strangers whom the boy had met along the way. The first reading may be a little distressing for the listener who may relate to the boy's fear and concern about being lost. The listener may be focused on this resolution instead of paying attention to the cultural clues.
However, the back matter explains the true purpose of the story--that what we choose to wear sends a message about who we are. It isn't the complete message, but it is a part of our identity. Multiple readings should help get the intended message across (although there is no glossary for the religious/cultural clothing items that are present in the book).
Identity: Muslim American author, Caucasian Spanish illustrator
A mostly wordless picture book depicts a young boy frantically looking for his parents after being separated from them at the outdoor market. Each stranger he meets shares a similar clothing with his parents. In the end, he is reunited and the parents thank the strangers whom the boy had met along the way. The first reading may be a little distressing for the listener who may relate to the boy's fear and concern about being lost. The listener may be focused on this resolution instead of paying attention to the cultural clues.
However, the back matter explains the true purpose of the story--that what we choose to wear sends a message about who we are. It isn't the complete message, but it is a part of our identity. Multiple readings should help get the intended message across (although there is no glossary for the religious/cultural clothing items that are present in the book).
November 23, 2019
Nearly wordless, Huda Essa's day at the market shows Adam with his parents, then separated. When he tried to find his parents, he mistakes a few mothers as his, but one is a nun and the other dressed in the traditional kanga dress. Finally, the 'right' mom is found, but not before Adam is also confused when searching for his father's traditional tunic. Then comes some new introductions and a happy way to show that while we may look familiar, we are also not exactly alike, but everyone does the same thing, helps Adam find his parents. Merce Tous' beautiful colors of people and the market create a happy feeling while giving a way to talk about our diverse population. Added is a piece at the back about this: "Becoming a cultural detective." I'm sure this will be terrific to use with a group of children or with one's own children or grandchildren!
February 3, 2021
I really liked this book that is intended to start a conversation with children about diversity and inclusivity. A little boy becomes lost at the outdoor market and is searching for his parents. He encounters a diverse group of individuals as he is looking who are anxious to help him. Although the book is almost wordless, the illustrations really provide the backbone to the story. And the epilogue from the author gives some great ideas for using the book to talk to children about our similarities and differences. Very well-done!
February 21, 2021
I had been looking forward to reading this book for a while because of its appealing and colorful cover. (Yes, I 100% judge books by their covers.)
While I did not anticipate that it would have virtually no words, it was lovely and joyful.
When my own children were in an environment where their teachers and loved ones wore hijabs, there were quite a few instances where they ran after women who looked friendly and familiar in public places based on their bright and swirling clothes. I found this story totally relatable and was warmed by its communal spirit.
While I did not anticipate that it would have virtually no words, it was lovely and joyful.
When my own children were in an environment where their teachers and loved ones wore hijabs, there were quite a few instances where they ran after women who looked friendly and familiar in public places based on their bright and swirling clothes. I found this story totally relatable and was warmed by its communal spirit.
December 2, 2019
Nearly wordless, this is a beautiful story of community set in a familiar setting. Most children and parents have experienced the feeling of being lost from your loved one, and there is nothing quite like the relief at finding who you're looking for.
I think my favorite part of this was the background action. As Adam searches for his parents, it is clear that strangers are working together to help.
Heartwarming, with thoughtful additional notes from the author.
I think my favorite part of this was the background action. As Adam searches for his parents, it is clear that strangers are working together to help.
Heartwarming, with thoughtful additional notes from the author.
January 21, 2021
If a wordless picture book needs jacket notes, an introductory “Note to Readers,” and an afterword to understand what the pictures are saying, then the story needs a lot more words, especially to introduce key vocabulary (e.g., “tunic,” “habit,” “kanga,” “yarmulke,” and “kurta”) which are crucial to understanding the “common” cultural differences that comprise the central theme of the narrative. The book earns a third star for its attempt to depict multiculturalism in positive ways.
January 5, 2021
Adam goes with his parents to the Eastern Market. He watches a bird and loses track of his parents. We get to see the market through Adam's eyes as he looks for his mom and dad.
This book is a great way to introduce culture and diversity to your child. There are no words to the story. There is an explanation and questions at the end.
This book is a great way to introduce culture and diversity to your child. There are no words to the story. There is an explanation and questions at the end.
April 26, 2021
A young boy is separated and the reunited with his parents at an outdoor Eastern market. This is an almost wordless story that focuses on cultural and ethnic diversity and inclusion. Beautifully done.
"When we recognize our similarities and differences, using kindness as a guide, we can all thrive in this world we share."
"When we recognize our similarities and differences, using kindness as a guide, we can all thrive in this world we share."
October 25, 2019
A young boy and his family go the open air market for the day where they are seperated. The boy bumps into many people who have similiarities to his parents but will he find them? Few words with a good intriduction and author's note. Elementary and up
November 8, 2019
Mostly wordless and depicts a very clear story through a child's eye-view. I found it enjoyable to go back through and look at the pictures a second and third time. Great for kids who aren't yet reading.
March 9, 2020
A Muslim family goes to the public market. The young son gets lost among the crowd and can’t find his parents. Of course he does at the end. A nice picture book with few words that shows the diversity of people at the market. Very sweet.
December 26, 2023
Every classroom library should have this book. It's exactly the kind kids would read. Then have books that relate to each of the characters. Love it there is an authors note and discussion questions to go with it.
February 23, 2025
This is what we need in the world: more acceptance, more willingness to look outside of ourselves and the familiar, and to notice how much we have in common with those different from us. A beautiful reminder!
September 11, 2019
Very little text, so some of the story is left to the imagination. Good illustrations, and a good overall story.
December 31, 2019
Nearly wordless
January 14, 2020
Mostly wordless, so requires a lot of inferencing.
February 29, 2020
It is wordless but there are So many endless opportunities with this book. Can teach about cultural differences and diversity within this book. Love the illustrations.
September 9, 2020
Good for diversity, but I wish it talked about how the child got lost at the market and ways to better handle situations like that too.
November 20, 2020
It's a cute idea, and I love the concept about there's more alike than different. Though, the story fell a little flat to me.
December 29, 2020
I really enjoyed these vibrant illustrations filled with so many cultural details. Though the story is practically wordless, there is so much to observe, even by looking at the background characters in the crowd. The overall mood of this book was very warm and inclusive.
January 16, 2021
Why does the author's note have to be randomly pro-dairy?
July 6, 2021
Wonderful diversity, but child being lost and separated from parents might upset some children.
April 12, 2023
Lovely, gentle story of a little boy lost at the market. Strangers help him find his parents. Then they all become friends.
Very few words.
Very few words.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2021
A multicultural family visits an open air market where the son gets separated from his parents. He mistakes many people for his mom and dad as they wear similar clothes but ultimately his parents find him and thank everyone he asked along the way for their concern.
Great front and back matter work to help begin positive conversations about diversity with kids. Despite the dialogue being sparse there was a real sense of movement and panic on part of the child conveyed with the art. I read a digital copy and most of the time when reading digital copies of picture books I don’t get those deeper resonating feelings the same way a hardcover book does but this one managed to make me feel something more visceral.
Great front and back matter work to help begin positive conversations about diversity with kids. Despite the dialogue being sparse there was a real sense of movement and panic on part of the child conveyed with the art. I read a digital copy and most of the time when reading digital copies of picture books I don’t get those deeper resonating feelings the same way a hardcover book does but this one managed to make me feel something more visceral.
August 14, 2024
Amazing book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews