City of Neighbors

Future Mayors and city planners grab a copy of City of Neighbours by Andrea Curtis and Katy Dockrill and learn all about what it takes to make communities vibrant and safe.

In reader friendly text, Andrea Curtis reminds readers of all the amazing things that are happening all over the world to make communities feel safe and to create usable, accessible spaces for all of those living and working together.

This middle grade nonfiction book reads quite like a story as opposed to just throwing information at the readers. There are no sidebars, maps or labeled diagrams which I would normally look for in a great nonfiction title but I actually loved the narrative in this book. This felt more like a community read. Each page features an informative paragraph explaining ways in which libraries, parks, sports, etc are all part of the community landscape that can create a city of neighbours. I love that I learned a new word: placemaking: when citizens set out to improve their city spaces with creativity, accessibility and a sense of fun.

I love that Andrea Curtis provides step-by–step instructions for readers to help create their own vibrant spaces in their own communities. She asks questions to help guide the reders in their own placemaking.

Katy Dockrill’s illustrations are a feast for the eyes. Each two page spread features bold and colourful illustrations that reflect how unused spaces can become joyful destinations in neighbourhoods. Her illustrations are a patchwork of people, animals and spaces with a muralesque feel making readers return over and over to find something new in the pages.

If you live in Toronto, you know in June we will be electing a new Mayor. This is the perfect book for all Mayoral candidates to read and reflect upon. It’s also a great book for young urban activists to use to question the candidates to see where they stand with placemaking.