Love is powerful

Inspired by a young friend of the author's who participated in the January 2017 New York City Women's March, Brewer presents an endearing portrait of a Black mother and daughter who take part in a citywide protest. Preparing a crayoned sign with "a message for the world," Mari wonders how the world will hear or see it; her mother reassures her that others will receive the missive "because love is powerful." Pham's warm multimedia illustrations feature an inclusive crowd that calls and echoes the titular refrain, and spirals of hearts that radiate outward. Though readers won't walk away with an understanding of motivations behind the march, this personal tale conveys the importance of showing up and the power of collaborative action. A note from the real-life Mari brings the book to a sincere conclusion. Ages 5--8. (Sept.)

A child prepares for the Women's March. City-dwelling Mari is excited to march (a plethora of pussyhats indicates it's the Women's March). Crayons ready, she asks her mother what they're coloring. The reply: "A message for the world." But how will the whole world hear their message? The answer: "because love is powerful." This titular refrain is repeated throughout the story as the pair joins the march. Though Mari doesn't think anyone will hear in the crowd of thousands, she shouts out the message on her poster: "Love is powerful!" Pham's bright, cheery art shows hearts emanating from Mari and drifting into the multiracial crowd (especially helpful for younger readers to understand the concept of a far-reaching message). Other marchers take up Mari's call until the hearts expand farther and farther out into the city. Though the signs they and others carry seem disconnected from some important social justice issues, particularly for a book focusing on a Black child (there are no obvious Black Lives Matter signs, for instance), this feel-good tale can serve as an accessible starting place or to augment such books as Shane Evans' We March (2012) and other stories that delve deeper into the reasons why people march and protest. The prose is somewhat unpolished, but a note from and photograph of the real Mari at book's end charmingly grounds it. (This book was reviewed digitally with 9.4-by-22-inch double-page spreads viewed at 27% of actual size.) Lots of heart. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.