ALL THE GREATNESS IN YOU

A Black family celebrates their little one’s achievements.

All children rely on the love and support of their caregivers, but they also need the space to take those first forays into independence—a truth that Brown clearly understands. Her book opens with a parent lovingly addressing a child: “Look at you. / I can’t believe / how quickly you have grown.” The parent adds, “Just yesterday, we did the things / you now do on your own.” But now? “You make your own bed. / You pick your own ’fro. / You dress your own self. You’re raring to go.” The youngster eagerly helps out with other tasks: cooking, washing dishes, gardening, and more. Most importantly, the child also demonstrates strength in the face of challenges. Scenes of the youngster taking a tumble during a soccer game are followed by tears, but, as the narrator points out, “Resilience is what counts / when times get rough. // Your best is enough.” Brown’s matter-of-fact verse thrums with a gentle energy, accompanied by Harris’ winsome illustrations, which radiate love. Subtle Christian undertones appear in both text and art; at one point the parent refers to the youngster as “a gift and a blessing / I’ll cherish forever,” and the story concludes at church, with the child performing a solo in a gospel choir.

Thoughtful and empowering.