Show the World!

"What will you do.../ or say.../ or make.../ to express who you are?" In a series of questions, Dalton asks readers to consider varying forms of artistic expression. "Language that makes you feel/ something; that makes you/ think something; that makes/ you do something," one spread reads, presenting four brown-skinned figures, one with a camera taking photos of three holding protest signs. Other spreads feature those finding their voices via mural painting, music, spoken word, cooking, and fashion, with the cameraperson capturing the action through-out. Peoples's stylized artwork, created with oil on paper and illustration board, centers brown-skinned figures amid almost tangibly textured backgrounds. A rousing rallying cry for young creatives. Ages 4-8. (Jan.)

K-Gr 3--A young photographer with brown skin and dark hair traverses her neighborhood and documents the exemplary art, music, and culture found in the streets, shops, and museums of her Black community. Involved in equal parts celebration and inspiration, the narrator observes the self-expression around her and asks the question of her audience: How will their impact be made? The vibrancy, richness, and importance of Black joy is central to this title and resonates in the art, music, spoken word, and activism the young narrator encounters. Dalton cleverly permeates the narrative with sounds, giving the text a musical and poetic quality. On each page spread, the vignettes are detailed with texture and dimension. Peoples's mixtures of technique and perspectives give the art a dynamism that harmonizes with the text throughout. Returning home at the end of the book, the narrator poses the question, "Is there a place where you shine? A space you fill with things that inspire you?" VERDICT A testament to Black excellence, this picture book will inspire readers to set no limits to their potential.--Sarah Simpson, Westerville P. L., OH