BIG WORDS FOR FEARLESS GIRLS

A concept book for budding feminists.

For youngsters who love to pore over images in early concept books, this oversized book with board pages offers an extra layer by introducing groundbreaking women and their contributions to the arts, history, science, and other areas of society. Concepts are presented in double-page spreads that feature labeled images in bold colors and a geometric graphic design, a rhyming overview that invokes “you” to become engaged, and short descriptions of women and their accomplishments. While the opening “Change” and “Pioneers” sections are so abstract as to be potentially confusing, they set the activist tone for the rest of the book. Successive concepts, from food, colors, and animals to music, gardening, and space, make more sense and follow a predictable pattern. A concluding “Family” section depicts a family tree with one interracial branch but no evidence of same-sex branches. The diverse women covered span from historical Frida Kahlo and Amelia Earhart to the more modern Serena Williams and Jane Goodall. Such figures as Lek Chailert, who’s fighting to protect Asian elephants in Thailand, may be new to adults, too. This volume also deviates from traditional concept books by promoting multiple ability levels. For instance, “Building Things” includes basic shapes as well as types of columns and blueprint elements. This range of content allows readers at many stages to visit and revisit the book.

A fun, visual way to relate women, activism, and big ideas to children.