Just Say Welcome
Tilly loves having company. One day, Tilly’s mom says a family that has just arrived from Iraq will be staying with them for a while until they get settled in the community. “Just say ‘welcome!’” her mom says. “Sometimes that’s all it takes for strangers to become friends.” A man from synagogue brings over clothes for the children and a neighbor brings a pot of stew that smells “just like home” to the new arrivals. The Iraqi boy, Youssef, teaches Tilly’s brother soccer ball tricks. When an apartment becomes ready for the family, Tilly feels a little sad. “Thank you for welcoming strangers into your home,” Youssef’s mom says. “But you’re not strangers,” says Tilly. “We’re friends now and you’ll always be welcome here.”
| Format | Your Price | Add |
|---|---|---|
|
979-8-7656-1991-9
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$19.99 | |
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979-8-7656-7565-6
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$24.99 | |
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979-8-7656-8603-4
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$34.99 | |
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979-8-7656-8601-0
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$6.99 |
| Interest Level | Preschool - Grade 3 |
|---|---|
| Reading Level | Grade 2 |
| Genre | Picture Books |
| Category | Diverse Books: Immigration & Refugees, Diversity, SEL: D Relationship Skills, Social Emotional Learning |
| Copyright | 2025 |
| Publisher | Lerner Publishing Group |
| Imprint | Kar-Ben Publishing ® |
| Language | English |
| Number of Pages | 24 |
| Publication Date | 2025-09-09 |
Author: Emily Raij
Emily Raij has written more than 40 books for children and edited dozens of professional resources for K-12 teachers. She is a native of Chicago, where she earned her journalism degree from Northwestern University. She lives in Florida with her husband, daughter, son, and dog.
Illustrator: Nathalia Takeyama
Nathalia Takeyama is a half-Japanese, half-Brazilian artist from Sao Paulo, creating vibrant digital illustrations inspired by her cultural background and the world around her. After studying Animation Design and earning an Illustration scholarship, she now focuses on texture, color, and diverse characters in her work.
Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!
Just Say Welcome
Tilly loves having company. One day, Tilly’s mom says a family that has just arrived from Iraq will be staying with them for a while until they get settled in the community. “Just say ‘welcome!’” her mom says. “Sometimes that’s all it takes for… View available downloads →
Reviews
School Library Journal
“The story offers young children an avenue toward connecting despite cultural differences, a message that, especially now, deserves to be amplified. A useful addition to collections in communities welcoming immigrants and refugees, especially with its celebration of inclusivity.”—School Library Journal