People Share with People

May 27, 2019
In this follow-up to People Don’t Bite People, Wheeler and Idle tackle a topic that encompasses a host of ideas: generosity, cooperation, empathy, individual agency, self-control, and, above all, a sense of shared humanity: “People share with people./ We DON’T live in a zoo!/ What’s yours is yours,/ what’s mine is mine—/I CHOOSE to share with you.” And sharing isn’t just about stuff you have, the authors note. There’s generosity of spirit as well: readers are urged to think about sharing “bigger things” such as “LOVE, RESPECT, and TIME,” and the collective responsibility for the planet we share. The cast of roly-poly round-headed kids is fun to follow through their good choices and bad, and the vignettes, set against backgrounds of deep, gradient colors, always feel more cajoling than scolding. But the book doesn’t have quite the same zing as its predecessor, even when the book takes a brief tangent to convey that it’s unwise to share a sneeze or toothbrush. While sharing may often be the kind thing to do, as a topic, it pales in comparison to why one shouldn’t take a chomp out of a peer. Ages 4–8. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House.

June 1, 2019
A first lesson in the finer points of sharing. "People share with people," asserts the titular refrain, and several kewpie-doll-like children displaying an array of skin colors and hairstyles engage in various activities that depict how easy or difficult it can be for young children to share toys and treats. A secondary refrain is puzzling: "what's mine is mine, / what's yours is yours, / but I'll share mine with you"--shouldn't the sharing be mutual? Despite an explanation that children are human and not animals and therefore should share, the underlying logic ("Selfish isn't cute!") seems quite abstract for a young child. Moreover, "I'll share when I am done" (depicted by a child slurping from a water fountain while another waits) seems to belie the altruistic premise of the book. Though Wheeler and Idle's first collaboration, People Don't Bite People (2018), was good fun, this one feels a little too preachy for this young audience, however praiseworthy the messages of respect and kindness. Friendly illustrations feature cheery colored-pencil scenarios on alternating white and colorful backgrounds. However, the children lack distinctive features that would enable young readers to identify and learn about difference and instead come across as cookie-cutter depictions. Some children of color are rendered in such a way that their noses and mouths are difficult to make out. Like the paper dolls depicted on the endpapers, the characters in this story lack individuality. (Picture book. 4-8)

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September 1, 2019

PreS-Gr 2-The author and illustrator of People Don't Bite People team up again to cheerfully explain to youngsters why it's a good idea to share. "People share with people. There's no need to fight! What's yours is yours, what's mine is mine, but we can be polite." Examples of items to share include crayons, toys, cupcakes, and balls. Also listed are a few things that should never be shared: a hat, a cup, and a sneeze. "Please" and "Thank you" come into play along with the idea of asking someone to share something and then being patient. Children in a variety of hues all feature large oval eyes and roly-poly physiques. Bright, primary colors and illustrations in various sizes add to the engaging poem. The rhyme scheme scans well, creating an enjoyable read-aloud for a story time or one on one. VERDICT This engaging title should be 'shared' with siblings as well as children who are in a group setting and would do well to learn sharing skills and etiquette.-Maryann H. Owen, Oak Creek Public Library WI

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