We Really Do Care

by Tami Lewis Brown, Tania de Regil

Inspired by current events, this picture book shows the importance of compassion, empathy, and demonstrates how even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference.

A little boy has a ball. It's his, and he really doesn't care if nobody else has a ball. He's not sharing. He's not sharing his pets either. Or his family. Especially not his brother. But then he realizes that both he and the new little girl he meets--the one who's all alone without a ball or a pet or a family of her own--are actually quite similiar. And when he sees their similarities instead of their differences, he's happy to share. Even his little brother.

With gentle text from Tami Lewis Brown and sweet illustrations from Tania de Regil, this poignant and touching picture book challenges each and every one of us to to lend a helping hand. Because we really should care. Perfect for fans of Be Kind and All Are Welcome.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2019

About the author

Tami Lewis Brown is the author of the novel The Map of Me and the picture book Soar, Elinor!, illustrated by François Roca. She holds an M.F.A. in writing for children from Vermont College and lives in Washington, D.C.

Reviews

[Bea · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little heavy on the message and light on the story. Good artwork.

[Adriana Martinez Figueroa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading like a direct response to the fact that Melania Trump, First Lady of the United States, was wearing a jacket that read "I Really Don't Care" while children were being separated by their families and killed in mass shootings, We Really DO Care is a fantastic way to teach empathy not just to kids but the adults who'd probably read it. Showcasing different marginalized kids while using a colorful palette with dynamic poses and with a prose that's accessible and emphatic in the message against selfishness and pro-acceptance, this should be an entry-level book to get kids talking about immigration and white supremacist views being propagated by the U.S. presidency.
Thanks to Edelweiss and Philomel for providing a review copy.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Any time you can throw shade at our current administration, I’m all for that. The book is a little rushed and simplistic and even a tad problematic, but also, way to call out our current president and first lady’s heartlessness.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first I thought this book was a great callback and example of being caring & discover that there are others to be aware of outside your world. But then on another read, and with a second eye from a friend, it was pointed out that it can be seen as problematic in portraying a white savior role.

[Enrique · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book I found interesting for the full bleed illustrations it provides and keeping the story short and simple on each page. I didn’t find myself connecting a whole lot with this book but it could provide a good teaching story for the class in elementary such as 2nd graders and below by the methods of sharing or caring for each other always.

[Katie (Kitkatscanread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good book for children showing how you shouldnt be selfish and how you should share the world with others and care for everything.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Emphasizes the importance of empathy and small acts of kindness.

[Tammy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the idea of caring the book describes but I felt it exasperated the stereotypes of whites being helpers. I wish the characters were portrayed differently

[Liz Todd · Rating 2 out of 5]

Felt rushed... all message, but not enough story to inspire a heart.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars - falls a little flat for me

[Jill Lewis Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful expression of how we learn to love one another.