Young Anna Maria chronicles her day keeping shop with her Italian grandparents in their small grocery store by describing her chores, the shoppers, and the neighborhood rituals that make for a vibrant sense of community. A narrative featuring vivid descriptions of the store and the diverse people who work and shop there is paired with inviting illustrations full of child–friendly details sure to have some readers and listeners poring over the images. Anna Maria’s relationships with her grandma and grandpa (Nonno and Nonna) and the larger contemporary community are full of warmth and grounded with a sense of familiarity and belonging. (Ages 4–7)

A picture book that celebrates local shops and building communities.

Anna Maria takes great pleasure and pride in her grandparents’ corner grocery store. Every Saturday she spends the day helping to arrange fruits and vegetables, greet the customers, and keep things neat and tidy. Through her day we meet the neighbors and learn what an important part the corner grocery store plays in the community.

Nonno Domenico, Nonna Rosa, and Anna Maria supply more than goods as the steady stream of customers arrives. Lunches are made, news is shared, bargains are purchased, recipes are traded, and cheerful ciaos are called. By the end of a long day, Anna Maria has a true sense of just how wonderful the sights and smells within the store are and how much they mean to everyone.

Charmingly illustrated in great detail, Our Corner Grocery Store pays tribute to the small independent grocers who supply color and atmosphere to city streets. Young readers will particularly enjoy finding and naming the wide array of produce, breads, candies, and dry goods that abound in this friendly establishment.