Status
Available
Publication
Orchard Books (2020), Edition: Illustrated, 40 pages
Library's review
"Two accomplished creators invite Black children to take up their spaces in the world.
Charles’ lyrical text addresses “you, dear child,” in the voice of a loving caregiver, recounting how the world anticipated and prepared for the child’s existence. The child was “dreamed of, / like a
A gem for every household. (author's note, illustrator's note) (Picture book. 5-10)" www.kirkusreviews.com, a kirkus starred review
Charles’ lyrical text addresses “you, dear child,” in the voice of a loving caregiver, recounting how the world anticipated and prepared for the child’s existence. The child was “dreamed of, / like a
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knapsack / full of wishes / carried on the backs / of your ancestors,” who worked and built, “because to them, / you always mattered.” The word “matter” is used in both ways: as a noun, as the child is made up of the same stuff that makes up the universe, and as a verb, because “strength, power and beauty / lie within,” even though the world will sometimes make the child question whether “they, / or you, / will ever matter.” The universe made room for “you, / your people, / their dreams, / your future,” Charles assures the child. The protesters (“take a breath, / take a stand, / take a knee”) and victims of racist violence (“Trayvon, / Tamir, / Philando”) are mentioned explicitly without becoming the focus; the journey from beginning to end of the book sends a message that is nurturing, nourishing, loving, and reassuring, expanding and deepening the words of the movement it echoes. Collier’s trademark paint-and-collage illustrations use petal shapes with patterns and faces, blue and brown hues, and family scenes and close-ups to embody the child’s growth within affectionate circles of family, community, and universe.A gem for every household. (author's note, illustrator's note) (Picture book. 5-10)" www.kirkusreviews.com, a kirkus starred review
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Awards
Kids' Book Choice Awards (Finalist — 2021)
Donna Norvell Oklahoma Book Award (Nominee — 2022)
NPR: Books We Love (2020)
CCBC Choices (2021)
Kansas NEA Reading Circle Recommended Book (Intermediate — 2021)
Notable Children's Book (2021)
Great Texas Mosquito List (K-2 — 2022)
Picture This Recommendation List (Fiction — 2022)
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best: Kids (Picture Books — 2020)
Language
Original language
English
ISBN
133857485X / 9781338574852