Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
A child narrates her experience riding in her first Black Cowboy Parade across a step-by-step picture book from Owens (A Song So Black, So Proud!) and Pinkney Barlow (Little Rosetta and the Talking Guitar). Awakening from a dream of a cowgirl jumping over the moon, the protagonist details her nervousness about taking part in the upcoming parade. But the familiar presence of her palomino pony, Garbo--who is just as anxious--gives the rider an opportunity to soothe them both ("Breathe in, breathe out, it's cool"). Mama, too, offers steady reassurance while reflecting on their family's long line of Black equestrians. And the parade takes on further meaning as the duo travel past candles set out for the protagonist's much-missed brother and the riders raise banners calling for an end to gun violence. While the late-emerging activist emphasis feels abrupt, sensate prose, paired with colored pencil and digital collage illustrations, ground the day, making for a sincere homage to cultural legacy and community strength. Creators' notes conclude. Ages 4--8. Author's agent: Karen Grencik, Red Fox Literary. Illustrator's agent: Lori Nowicki, Painted Words. (May)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 3--This lovely picture books presents a beautiful story of peace and togetherness. An unnamed young girl shares her experience riding in the Black Cowboy Parade with her parents in West Oakland, California. Although she has always dreamed of riding in the parade, she is scared. Coming from a family of riders, the girl is encouraged to sit confidently atop her horse Garbo and ride as her father has taught her. Her confidence grows with each step Garbo takes, culminating in the unfurling of a banner made by the girl and her mother that reads, "No more guns." The cheering crowd spurs her on as she travels the parade route. Illustrations are presented as a scrapbook with typeset writing on different paper types layered onto the background. Images are hand-drawn utilizing a digital collage technique. The illustrations and text are aesthetically pleasing, with expressive emotions on the faces of each featured character. An author's note included at the back of the book explains the setting and story inspiration, and there is an illustrator's note about the art. VERDICT This book is recommended for all picture book collections.--Misty Schattle
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Dreams, both personal and societal, parade on full display. When a young Black girl awakens, she discovers that today's the day. It's time for the Black Cowboy Parade, and she'll be riding the palomino pony Garbo. Trouble is, she's a little nervous about riding, just as Garbo's a little scared of the parade. What starts as a simple exercise in soothing nerves deepens into something more, though, as they pass a memorial for Rickey, the girl's older brother, and she remembers his words about changing the world with her riding. Soon the family unfurls a banner declaring "NO MORE GUNS," a clear allusion to how that change might take place. Inspired by both the image of Brianna Noble on her Appaloosa at a 2020 Black Lives Matter protest and the Oakland Black Cowboy Association parade, Owens deftly interlocks social consciousness with a good story brimming with fun alliteration ("Garbo slows down and nods and clip-clops and ticktocks like a clock on the blacktop"). Meanwhile, Pinkney Barlow plays with colorful art and textures, incorporating fabrics into her mixed-media artwork, as when she uses burlap for a horse's skin. Protest and pageantry go hand in hand in this rousing tribute to equestrian dreams of every type.(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
