Tag kindness

An animated family in poses with arms raised in excitement or fright is centered over the silhouette of a burger, all against a bright yellow background

Bob’s Burgers Movie

Angie Engles Leave a comment
An animated family in poses with arms raised in excitement or fright is centered over the silhouette of a burger, all against a bright yellow background

by Angie E.

The Bob’s Burgers Movie throws the lovable and zany Belcher family onto the big screen with all the charm, chaos, and condiment-fueled comedy fans adore. Between Tina’s erotic friend-fiction fantasies, Gene’s musical ambitions (this time with a burger-themed rock opera, obviously), and Louise’s pink-ear-capped schemes, the Belchers are beefier than ever. Toss in a murder mystery, some off-key original songs, and the eternal struggle to pay rent, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for delicious dysfunction.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time fryer, this film is a celebration of awkward family love, small business spirit, and burger puns that never quit. It’s heartfelt, hilarious, and just weird enough to make you wonder if your food might burst into song. In a season five episode of Bob’s Burgers, Tina (the eldest of the Belcher children and one of the most lovelorn characters to ever appear in animation) is righteously upset when a friend of hers mentions the girl he likes is way “out of his league.” The scene takes place in a bowling alley (again, the smart writing!) and Tina yells, “Damn it, there are no leagues!” The intercom interrupts to call forth bowling leagues that are entered in a contest. Well, okay, Tina continues, there are bowling leagues, “but there should be no people leagues.”

Bob’s Burgers pulls me in like no other comedy. I absolutely want to live in BB’s world, I want to know all of the characters and walk down the streets of their town and visit their shops and their boardwalk. I want to go to karaoke with Linda, talk about life with Tina and get into hijinks with Louise and Gene. Never have I known a show to be both wholesome and provocative, to be sweet and subversive. Best of all, Bob’s Burgers holds on to  kindness, even in the middle of chaos. One of my favorite quotes from the show, from any show really, is this:

Maybe we all have a little bully inside of us. Maybe when we think people are being mean to us it can make us mean. But even if people are difficult we have to resist, we have to try to be nice. Maybe it will bring out the nice in other people.

HCLS owns the first season of Bob’s Burgers as well as the movie. For more seasons, consider using Interlibrary Loan Services.

And if you want to try your hand at some Bob’s Burgers-inspired cooking, you might want to check this out: The Bob’s Burgers Book: Real Recipes for Joke Burgers.

Angie is an Instructor & Research Specialist at Central Branch and is a co-facilitator for Reads of Acceptance, HCLS’ first LGBTQ-focused book club. Her ideal day is reading in her cozy armchair, with her cat Henry next to her.

A small children bundled up in a coat and hat looks at a homeless person wrapped seated and wrapped in a blanket.

The Old Man by Sarah V. & Claude K. Dubois

brittanychapterchats Leave a comment
A small children bundled up in a coat and hat looks at a homeless person wrapped seated and wrapped in a blanket.

by Brittany M.

I was halfway through The Old Man when the first tear fell. I cried a few more before the end. This sweet children’s picture book by Sarah V. & Claude K. Dubois teaches awareness, kindness, and compassion for the homeless – all things our world needs more of (me included). 

The cover art and title caught my eye while I was shelving books in the children’s section of the library. Even though I don’t have kids yet, I’m always on the lookout for books to share with them in the future, so I borrowed it. The story is simple but powerful, as the words, actions, and attitude of the characters who interact with the “The Old Man” act as a mirror for society, reflecting the stereotypes and prejudices a lot of us hold against the homeless. It resonates because I bet you have already come across someone who reminds you of “The Old Man” at least once. 

A lot of feelings stirred within me while reading this book. Shame regarding the indifference I sometimes display towards homelessness due to feeling awkward and guilty. I feel awkward making eye contact when I see someone holding a sign asking for money, and I feel guilty for having more and not remembering to keep spare change or bills. I want my kids to be better than me by always being ready to give to someone in need and to feel comfortable when doing it. While doing some self-reflection, I researched ways to help the homeless beyond money exchanging hands. 

One good idea I learned from a friend is to have a bag of essentials ready to give. You can make them for a low cost by shopping for items at the Dollar Tree or Five Below, including gloves, socks, non-perishable food items, toothpaste, toothbrush, wipes, deodorant, and even a blanket. If you want to add something extra, consider grocery store or coffee shop gift cards. You never know when was the last time someone had a hot meal to eat or a warm beverage to drink. 

Before the year is over, I invite you to do something good-hearted for those less fortunate. Maybe it’s someone you see regularly on your commute or maybe it’s a random act of kindness. No matter who you choose to give to or how you choose to give, make sure it’s without prejudice or judgment. 

Borrow a copy of The Old Man from any HCLS branch.

Brittany is a Customer Service Specialist at the Miller Branch who loves writing, reading, and all things stationery. Her other hobbies include playing video games, listening to music and spending quality time with her family.