We'll Make Things Better Together

Ben Gundersheimer (bengundersheimer.com, MisterGsongs.com) is a Latin GRAMMY Award-winning artist, author and educator. Hailed as “a bilingual rock star” by The Washington Post and “irresistible” by People magazine, he was originally dubbed MISTER G by his young students while pursuing a Master of Education degree. He is also the author of How Many Squirrels Are in the World?, based on a song from his album Pizza for Breakfast, Senorita Mariposa, based on a song on his album Chocolalala, and Lilah Tov Good Night, based on a song from his album The Mitzvah Bus. MISTER G tours internationally, performing in venues such as Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, New Orleans Jazz Fest, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His dynamic, interactive bilingual performances aim to dissolve borders and foster cross-cultural connections. He lives in the woods of Western Massachusetts with his wife, Katherine, rescue mutt, Josie, and cat, Chloe Bird.Dow Phumiruk (artbydow.blogspot.com) is a clinically retired pediatrician who has found her passion in creating children’s books. She wrote the picture books Hugsby and Mela and the Elephant, and has illustrated numerous books, including Counting on Katherine (by Helaine Becker), One Girl (by Andrea Beaty), Mouse’s Christmas Gift (by Mindy Baker), Hello Tree (by Ana Crespo), Her Name Was Mary Katharine (by Ella Schwartz), Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines (by Jeanne Walker Harvey), An Equal Shot: How the Law Title IX Changed America (by Helaine Beckerand), and Titan and the Wild Boars: The True Cave Rescue of the Thai Soccer Team (by Susan Hood and Pathana Sornhiran), and is one of the illustrators for Kelly Yang’s Yes We Will. Dow was born in Thailand, and now lives in Colorado with her husband, three artistic daughters, and a dog.

“In this heartfelt celebration of working together, racially diverse young children frolic and unite in an urban setting. The warm illustrations convey the importance of teamwork as little ones help out around the house and outdoors. The children also come together to stage plays and put on concerts. Straightforward, accessible text. . . . The children are joined by supportive parents and friendly pets. . . . A good choice for establishing a solid early learning environment; the emphasis on social skills and positive attributes such as sharing, responsibility, support, tidiness, and collaboration is strong and clear. An upbeat demonstration that working together can make the world a more loving, supportive, and welcome place.” —Kirkus Reviews“Observes collaborative efforts at home and within a racially diverse community. . . . Cheerfully rendered day of work and play. Alongside Phumiruk’s crisp digitally finished spreads, Gundersheimer’s lines scan and rhyme satisfyingly. It’s an optimistic starting place for discussions about cooperation and mutual aid.” —Publishers Weekly“The story and lesson are easy to understand and catchy, with a rhyme scheme and chorus: ‘We make things better, better when we work together.’ The text, written by children's music artist Mister G, is clear and tells the many different, simple ways children can help in their community, using vocabulary that they can understand. Phumiruk’s illustrations show these actions, in scenes that translate credibly to readers’ own neighborhoods and surroundings. The art brings specific details to the words, illuminating them and lifting the text right off the page. A book about everyday teamwork and love that is sure to inspire readers to work together in their own communities.” —School Library Journal