PICTURE BOOK FICTION REVIEW : Keeping the City Going by Brian Floca

 

KEEPING THE CITY GOING
by Brian Floca
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-5344-9377-3
Source: publisher for review
Ages 4-8
All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Brian Floca gives a thank you to the essential workers who keep their cities going during COVID-19 quarantine.

We are here at home now, watching the world through our windows. Outside we see the city we know, but not as we’ve seen it before. The once hustling and bustling streets are empty. Well, almost empty. Around the city there are still people, some, out and about. These are the people keeping us safe. Keeping us healthy. Keeping our mail and our food delivered. Keeping our grocery stores stocked. Keeping the whole city going.

 

REVIEW

 

With his stunningly detailed illustrations and straightforward poem, Brian Floca honors the workers who kept the country running during the various COVID-19 lock downs.  The book points out the way New York City changed during the lock down and how workers such as delivery drivers, bus and subway employees, taxi drivers, utility workers, doctors and nurses, police and emergency crews kept the city alive for everyone else.  Keeping the City Going provides a great opportunity to discuss with children all the things that have been experienced during the pandemic.  It's also a great way to introduce the value of community workers to younger children and why those jobs are so very important.  As with his previous titles, it's the illustrations that jump out at the reader here.  The detailed illustrations give young readers a lot to enjoy.  The book focuses on New York City, but is relatable for most readers as community workers of some kind can be found most places.  The book's themes of sacrifice, gratitude, and unity are powerful and important things to share with children both now and in the future.