Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen (Reading Rainbow Book) / Dyanne Disalvo-Ryan

A gentle and age-appropiate introduction to two key issues of our time—hunger and homelessness—from a kid's point of view. This empathy-building book is good for sharing at home or in a classroom.

“Based on the actual volunteer experience of the author, this picture book provides a look into the soup kitchen without an overly sentimental view of the hungry or a dose of pessimism for the reader. With a note about soup kitchens introducing the story, this is informative and new, but not scary,” praised Booklist.

“A boy wonders about the people he sees on his city’s streets until he goes to the soup kitchen where his uncle works. The varied needs of the individuals there become clear to the young narrator. The watercolors use earthtones and careful detail to illustrate aptly the warm, friendly story," according to The Horn Book.

Recommended as a resource for teachers and librarians to build a connection with their local community and the school, as well as a way for any adult to help foster a conversation and respond to a child's natural curiosity.