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Thank You, Omu!


Synopsis


A generous woman is rewarded by her community in this remarkable author-illustrator debut that's perfect for the Thanksgiving season, perfect for fans of Last Stop on Market Street.

Everyone in the neighborhood dreams of a taste of Omu's delicious stew! One by one, they follow their noses toward the scrumptious scent. And one by one, Omu offers a portion of her meal. Soon the pot is empty. Has she been so generous that she has nothing left for herself?

Debut author-illustrator Oge Mora brings a heartwarming story of sharing and community to life in colorful cut-paper designs as luscious as Omu's stew, with an extra serving of love. An author's note explains that "Omu" (pronounced AH-moo) means "queen" in the Igbo language of her parents, but growing up, she used it to mean "Grandma."

Summary

Chapter 1: The Gift of Corn

> Omu, a young Igbo girl, is summoned by the village chief to receive a special gift. The chief explains that the village has received a blessing of corn from the gods and that Omu has been chosen to distribute it.

> Example: Omu happily gathered the corn and carefully distributed it among the villagers, ensuring that each family had enough to sustain them.

Chapter 2: The Journey Begins

> Omu embarks on a journey to deliver the corn to neighboring villages. Along the way, she encounters a variety of challenges, including rough terrain, treacherous rivers, and unexpected obstacles.

> Example: As Omu crossed a swollen river, her canoe nearly capsized, but she remained determined to deliver the precious cargo safely.

Chapter 3: The Generous King

> Omu arrives at the village of Umuofia and is welcomed by the generous King Okonkwo. The king offers her protection and assistance, providing her with provisions and a shelter for the night.

> Example: King Okonkwo shared his own food with Omu and her companions, demonstrating the importance of hospitality in Igbo culture.

Chapter 4: The Hungry Strangers

> Omu encounters a group of hungry strangers who are struggling to find food. She shares her provisions with them, sacrificing her own comfort for the well-being of others.

> Example: Omu gave the strangers the last of her corn, leaving herself with little, but she knew that their need was greater than hers.

Chapter 5: The Thief

> Omu's journey is interrupted by a thief who attempts to steal her corn. She outsmarts the thief by hiding the corn in a tree stump and retrieving it later.

> Example: Omu's quick thinking and resourcefulness protected the precious cargo from falling into the wrong hands.

Chapter 6: The Village of Peace

> Omu reaches the village of Umudim, where she is greeted with great joy and celebration. The villagers have heard of her generosity and welcome her as a respected guest.

> Example: The women of Umudim prepared a feast in honor of Omu, acknowledging her selfless deeds and the blessings she had brought to their village.

Chapter 7: The Return Home

> Omu successfully completes her journey and returns to her own village of Umuagu. She is hailed as a hero and thanked for her bravery and compassion.

> Example: The village elder offered Omu a place of honor within the community, recognizing her as a role model for all young people.