Discovering Joy in the Everyday: A Review of Last Stop on Market Street
Just the other night, as I tucked my little ones into bed, we found ourselves in one of those delightful yet chaotic moments that every parent knows too well. My three-year-old, Noah, was all wide-eyed and filled with energy, while my five-year-old, Mia, was desperately clinging to the last threads of her day, fighting sleep as if it were a monster under her bed. In a bid to calm the storm, I reached for a book I had been eager to share: Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña. Little did I know, this beautiful tale would resonate with all of us and become a new bedtime staple.
Last Stop on Market Street follows a young boy named CJ and his grandmother, as they journey through their neighborhood on a city bus. They encounter a rich tapestry of characters, each adding to the vibrant landscape around them. As CJ observes the world outside his window, he grapples with questions and comparisons—why aren’t there any fancy cars, or why don’t they have a house like his friends? His grandmother, with gentle wisdom, helps him see the beauty in their surroundings and the people around them.
My kids were immediately captured by the lively illustrations by Christian Robinson. The colors were so vivid and the characters so expressive that they seemed to jump off the page. I could hear Mia whisper, "Look at that lady with the flowers!" which led to a lovely discussion about the different people we see every day. It was a perfect example of how a simple story can spark curious inquiries and deep connections.
As we read, I couldn’t help but giggle at CJ’s thoughts, especially during the moment he encounters the bus’s various passengers. Noah, in his innocent wisdom, exclaimed, "That man looks funny!" prompting a light-hearted conversation about how everyone has their own unique style, and it’s okay to be different. One of my favorite lines was when his grandmother tells CJ, “Sometimes when you’re in a hurry, you miss the beauty of the world.” It echoed a reminder I often need myself, especially in a busy household filled with the daily rush.
The rhythmic flow of de la Peña’s writing made it a delight to read aloud. I could feel my kids leaning in closer, hanging on to every word, which is no small feat when bedtime stories often turn into wrestling matches! The blend of heartfelt themes with everyday life is where this book truly shines. It beautifully illustrates the importance of perspective, gratitude, and seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary.
I wholeheartedly recommend Last Stop on Market Street for children ages 3-8, particularly those curious about their surroundings. It’s perfect for the littles who love to ask “why” and “what if,” as well as parents like me, who appreciate the gentle life lessons woven throughout. This book has officially earned a cherished spot on our shelf and has quickly become a family favorite.
Not only did Last Stop on Market Street provide us with laughter and comfort during our evening routine, but it also served as a poignant reminder of the beauty that resides in our everyday lives—something I hope to carry with me as I continue to navigate this wild journey of motherhood. Happy reading!
