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| ISBN: 9781536238525 Candlewick Press Hardcover $18.99 USD |
My thoughts: Bibi is a shy young girl with artistic talent who hesitates to leave the house. She gets up the courage and goes to stroll along noticing neighbors and what they are doing. As I read the story, I noted that the names were predominantly Jewish (at least as far as I know). As the story progresses, Bibi arrives at the old rail trail. This is where I learned that abandoned train rail tracks had been cemented (or paved) over. When Bibi arrived at the local rail trail, she sees people from her neighborhood and they are placing bird houses in the area.
They, with Bibi, devise a plan to reclaim the abandoned, trashed rail trail and create a beautiful spot where people can relax, walk, play. They clean, plant native plants, place more birdhouses, and place benches that Bibi and a lady have decorated with their artistic skills.
A lovely story about how Bibi overcomes her shyness and gets out and about interacting with people. And a lovely story of community coming together to reclaim a trashed area making it a lovely spot that is safe and pleasant to be in.
And stepping back in the early pages of the story, Bibi's neighbor, Mr. Fogelman, has a sign over his garage - TIKKUM OLAM which in the Jewish religion means people are called upon--through action and kindness--to help repair our imperfect world.[*from final page of Bibi Steps Out.
About the book: A shy, artistic girl comes out of her shell—and finds her community—as she helps transform an ignored rail trail into a place of recreation and beauty.
It’s spring at last, and the residents of Longview Lane are starting to creep out of their cocoons to enjoy the world outside. Among them is Bibi, whose shyness has her hiding under her hoodie, clutching her sketchpad, hoping she doesn’t have to talk to anyone. Bibi is making a beeline for her special place: the Old Rail Trail, where she can sit alone under a tree and draw the birds, ignoring the litter all around her. But today she has unexpected company—neighbors putting up birdhouses and inviting her to make a poster showing what the trail could look like if it were all cleaned up. What if Bibi put her art toward making that dream a reality, decorating benches while others planted flowers, patched up paths, or cleared away trash? From author Roni Schotter and illustrator Christy Hale comes an ode to the transformative effects of community on both the natural places we share and the individuals who love them. Back matter offers more on the history of the rails-to-trails movement and some ways that kids can get involved in their local scene.5 Candlewick
It’s spring at last, and the residents of Longview Lane are starting to creep out of their cocoons to enjoy the world outside. Among them is Bibi, whose shyness has her hiding under her hoodie, clutching her sketchpad, hoping she doesn’t have to talk to anyone. Bibi is making a beeline for her special place: the Old Rail Trail, where she can sit alone under a tree and draw the birds, ignoring the litter all around her. But today she has unexpected company—neighbors putting up birdhouses and inviting her to make a poster showing what the trail could look like if it were all cleaned up. What if Bibi put her art toward making that dream a reality, decorating benches while others planted flowers, patched up paths, or cleared away trash? From author Roni Schotter and illustrator Christy Hale comes an ode to the transformative effects of community on both the natural places we share and the individuals who love them. Back matter offers more on the history of the rails-to-trails movement and some ways that kids can get involved in their local scene.5 Candlewick
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
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