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Blog → September 2, 2021

Book Review: All Are Welcome

Reviewed by Morgan Stout
Photography by Kim Davis
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“All Are Welcome” by Alaxandra Penfold, illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman

Alexandra Penfold’s book, All Are Welcome is a favorite in my home. Whenever we borrow it from the library (which is often), my 5-year-old and 3-year-old have me read it to them multiple times a day. Suzanne Kaufman’s colorful illustrations are a delightful pair to Penfold’s narrative stating “all are welcome here,” no matter one’s appearance or background.

As the story is introduced, there is a paragraph explaining how this book is inspired by Kaufman’s daughters’ school, “where diversity and community are not just protected, but celebrated.” Through its fun-to-read rhythm and rhyme, All Are Welcome gives the reader a bird’s-eye view of a typical school day from sunup to sundown for students of all backgrounds at this particular school. The prose and illustrations combine to foster inclusivity and a sense of community as they highlight the students’ similarities and differences in a fun and light-hearted way.

All Are Welcome is an excellent book for any young reader! It would be perfect to read in a classroom, at home, or even at a library’s storytime. I would especially recommend reading it to kids aged 3 - 8. Teaching kids the importance of inclusion and the beauty of diversity from a young age is imperative to raising them to be kind and accepting. All Are Welcome is the perfect place to start!

Other Posts

The U.S. Healthcare Workforce Shortage Is Growing — But So Is The Solution

Virginia is short 770 primary care physicians today — and that number will near 1,000 by 2035. The strain is real: longer wait times, physician burnout, and limited care, especially in rural and underserved communities.

There’s a solution hiding in plain sight: International Medical Graduates (IMGs).

IMGs are highly trained professionals with deep clinical experience and a commitment to primary care. Studies show they perform as well as or better than U.S.-trained doctors in managing chronic conditions and improving patient outcomes — especially for diverse and immigrant populations.

#HealthcareWorkforce #IMGs #HealthEquity #PrimaryCare #PhysicianShortage #VirginiaHealthcare #RefugeePhysicians #RuralHealth #DiversityInMedicine


June 18, 2025
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