Room for Everyone is not exactly what it seems at first. Yes, it is a book about community and inclusion, but there is a not so “in your face” counting aspect to it as well. When Musa and his sister travel to the local beach, their minibus stops along the way to pick up various passengers (an old man with his seat less bicycle, a farmer, goats, even scuba divers) and Musa is afraid there will be no room for him, or they will never get to the beach, but all the others (especially the driver) tell them “There is room for everyone!”
Of course, we the adult reader know that there will always be room for everyone (like the story says the people just must squiggle and wiggle a little here and there making a bit of extra space). And the artwork is a delight to view. There is a lot to read in them. Merce Lopez complements Naaz Khan’s text perfectly.
This story set in Zanzibar. The concept of community and a place for everyone is not new, but the setting does give it a freshness that many Western children would not be particularly familiar with. The story feels timeless and has a classic tone to it. The themes are familiar, but new, and not overly pushy. I could see this being read to a group of all ages, but it is slightly geared for the older listener/reader. One of the first things I thought of was that I could see this on Reading Rainbow. It has that sweetness and energy.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It might not become a classic, but it will be a fond memory of reading and/or being read to.