Review by Booklist Review
Confident in her pink pointe shoes, Baby Girl dances around her mama (who is Black), waltzes with her daddy (who is white), and twirls her tutu-wearing doll Qai Qai, who also happens to be Baby Girl's "best friend and biggest fan." Despite Baby Girl's talent and enthusiasm, she grows nervous as her dance recital approaches. The night before the big day, she confides her fears to Qai Qai, who (after a sprinkle of stardust) comes to life! Bursting with sass and positivity, Qai Qai helps Baby Girl recover her self-confidence in an entertaining late-night adventure. After an amazing performance the next day, Baby Girl is thrilled and Qai Qai is right there to remind her bestie that she can do anything in this world. Tennis star Williams shows that her talents aren't limited to the court in this uplifting story of girlhood, family love, and magic. Filled with richly colored illustrations that see a preponderance of velvety purples and pinks, this book will particularly catch the eye of dancers and the Fancy Nancy set.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Tennis star Williams brings her celebrated positivity and fashion sense to this upbeat story of Baby Girl, a Black child who loves to "prance, passé, and pirouette" at home but is nervous about her solo in an upcoming recital. Cheered on by her doll, Qai Qai, come magically to life, Baby Girl dons an outfit that makes her feel "ready for anything." She also learns that just as her belief in Qai Qai's friendship enabled the doll's transformation, her belief in herself will ensure that Baby Girl dances her very best. The book focuses on the relationship between the girl and doll (the latter, Williams's commercially available design), as well as Baby Girl's bond with her supportive parents, portrayed as interracial. Moises's bright digital cartoon art, dominated by shades of purple, pink, and blue, aptly reflects the book's element of fantasy laced with optimism. Ages 2--5. (Sept.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A Black girl finds the inspiration she needs to shine from her beloved doll. Sports fans who followed champion Williams upon her return to tennis after becoming a mother also became familiar with her daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., and Alexis' Black baby doll Qai Qai, who has a huge social media presence. Now, the child and her doll take center stage in their own picture-book adventure. Baby Girl loves to dance and move throughout her home with her mother, who is Black, her father, who is White, and, of course, Qai Qai. However, as Baby Girl's upcoming dance recital approaches, she admits to her doll that she is nervous about getting her dance just right with so many people watching. Qai Qai becomes real and assures her that she will be able to overcome her stage fright and give an outstanding performance. Qai Qai's confidence helps Baby Girl find the courage to set her fear aside and believe in her ability on the dance stage. Williams' celebrity and Qai Qai's following will attract readers to this lively, encouraging tale of self-belief and friendship. Making heavy use of shimmering pink and purple hues, the vivid, fluid digital art effectively brings to life a story infused with magic and movement. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An upbeat, energetic reminder that all children need support to help them learn to believe in themselves. (Picture book. 2-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
