SWEET FIRE
by J.P. Mitchell ; illustrated by Fuuji Takashi
A girl is praised for passion and kindness in Mitchell’s celebratory picture book.
Two parents lovingly welcome a newborn, nicknamed Sweet Fire, proclaiming, “You came into the world with a song to sing, / Work to do and a message to bring.” As the child grows, the passion she has for life is clear: This girl will follow her own path even if others equate that passion and fire to being a “diva.” Sweet Fire centers herself in serving her community, breaking through unfair barriers, telling the truth (even when it’s not easy), and gently caring for others. She shares that light, and love, with everyone around her—sharing it, on a final two-page spread, with other children around the world. Mitchell’s poem features clean rhymes and sometimes syncopated rhythms that keep the poetry fresh. Repeated phrases invite lap readers to chime in. The focus on Sweet Fire’s virtues makes this feel like a tribute to children who’ve been told too often to cover up who they are. Takashi’s beautiful, full-color paintings show Sweet Fire at several different ages, creating a continuity of growth and strength. Sweet Fire and her parents are depicted as Black, and the diverse community is portrayed with a range of skin tones.
A vibrant book with a good lesson for young leaders.