Every child has gift to share and a job to do on Weber Street, whether it’s a green thumb, a way with dogs, or enough elbow grease to make the windows shine. And every child contributes to make their street a better place to live. Ava, for example, who uses a wheelchair, is a computer whiz and helps an elderly neighbor with her online social networking. And when it’s time for the community garage sale and block party, everyone pitches in to get the necessary work done and to share in the fun. Everything on Weber Street is a bit too good to be true perhaps, without a single crabby neighbor or child who would prefer to play their X-Box or Wii, but the book demonstrates the ideals of civic engagement and community involvement. Newhouse’s folk-art style illustrations feature a diverse cast of characters living on Weber Street. (Ages 4–7)

For some families, part-time jobs for children are a way to impart all kinds of skills and experience. For others, it’s a matter of necessity if kids want spending money. Maxwell Newhouse, who is a plumber as well as an author and artist, understands this. The Weber Street Wonder Work Crew is a group of kids who have lots to offer their neighbors: from babysitting cranky toddlers to lending a hand in a garden, washing windows, and even helping an elderly lady who needs support to keep up with her friends online.

Lively folk-style paintings work with a simple text to inspire kids to take part in their own communities.