Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)

Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those rare picture books that actually deserves its awards. It's beautiful, gentle, and manages to introduce meaningful themes—economic disparity, disability, finding joy in simple things—without being heavy-handed or preachy.

Nana is the MVP here, redirecting CJ's complaints ('Why do we have to wait in the rain? Why don't we have a car?') into opportunities to notice street musicians, colorful graffiti, and interesting passengers. It's the kind of patient, perspective-shifting parenting we all aspire to but often forget in the moment.

The one caveat: this is a quiet book. Nothing explodes, no one farts, there are no silly animals. If your kid needs constant stimulation, you might get some pushback. But if you can get them to settle in, it's worth it—the illustrations alone are stunning, and the message about gratitude and empathy is genuinely valuable.

It's a modern classic for good reason, and at 4.8 stars on Amazon with glowing parent reviews, it's clearly resonating with families. Just know what you're getting: a gentle, thoughtful story that rewards attention rather than demanding it.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 4-8 as a read-aloud that builds empathy and gratitude. Older elementary kids (up to 10 or so) can still appreciate its themes and illustrations, especially if they're reflecting on community and perspective. Beyond that, it skews too young unless being used in a specific teaching context.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

95

A tender intergenerational story that models gratitude, empathy, and finding joy in everyday moments. Nana gently guides CJ to see beauty in their city bus ride, their neighbors, and simple experiences. The emotional tone is warm, patient, and kind—exactly the sort of modeling young kids benefit from. No chaos, no meanness, just genuine connection between a grandmother and grandson.

Imaginative

78

Christian Robinson's illustrations are vibrant and distinctive, bringing the city to life with color and character. The book invites kids to look at ordinary things—a bus ride, rain, street musicians—with fresh eyes and discover 'magic' in overlooked places. It's more contemplative than fantastical, encouraging perspective-shifting rather than world-building, but that's its own kind of imaginative work.

Safe

98

Completely safe. No violence, scary content, or inappropriate material. The book touches on economic disparity (why don't they have a car?) and disability (a blind passenger) with such gentleness that it's purely educational, not distressing. Common Sense Media parent reviews confirm it's 'gentle and kind' with nothing to worry about.

Enriching

92

This is a masterclass in teaching gratitude, empathy, and perspective without being preachy. CJ learns to notice beauty in unexpected places, appreciate what they have, and see the humanity in diverse neighbors. Winner of the Newbery Medal and a Caldecott Honor—the awards are earned. It opens conversations about economic differences, disability, community, and finding joy. The New York Times notes it offers 'a thoughtful introduction to adult themes like race, poverty and disability' in an age-appropriate way.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Models the kind of gentle, patient grandparent wisdom we all wish we had—Nana reframes CJ's complaints into opportunities to notice beauty
Introduces economic disparity, disability, and diversity with such tenderness that it becomes a conversation starter rather than a lecture
Christian Robinson's illustrations are gorgeous—vibrant, distinctive, and full of life that makes a city bus feel like an adventure
Won major awards (Newbery Medal, Caldecott Honor) for good reason—it's the rare picture book that works on multiple levels for different ages
Short enough to read in one sitting but rich enough to return to again and again

⚠

What to Watch For

The story is quiet and contemplative—kids expecting action or silly humor might need help settling into its slower, observational pace
CJ asks why they don't have a car like his friends, which opens the door to conversations about money and economic differences (handled beautifully, but be ready)
Some kids might find it 'boring' because nothing dramatic happens—it's all about noticing and appreciating, which is a learned skill

Conversation Starters

"What's something on our regular trips—like to school or the store—that we could notice more carefully, the way Nana helps CJ notice things?"
"CJ wishes they had a car. Have you ever wished we had something that other families have? What helps you feel okay about what we do have?"
"Nana points out the blind man with the guitar. What do you think about how she talks about him—does she treat him differently?"
"What's the most beautiful or interesting thing you've seen today that other people might have missed?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Last Stop on Market Street