Love Is Powerful
Heather Dean Brewer, Author
LeUyen Pham, Illustrator
Candlewick Press, Sept 8, 2020
Suitable for ages: 5-8
Themes: Women’s March, Peaceful protests, Child activist, Love, Making a difference
Opening: “Mari spilled her crayons onto the table. They made a messy rainbow. / “What are we coloring, Mama?” / Mama smiled. “A message for the world.”
Synopsis:
Mari and Mama are making a sign, a message for the world. But Mari wonders how something so little will be seen by the whole world. And how can someone as small as Mari be heard over the hundreds of thousands of people gathered to march? But Mama isn’t worried, because their sign is a message of love. And love is powerful.
Inspired by the real-life experience of one little girl at the 2017 Women’s March in New York City, author Heather Dean Brewer and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator LeUyen Pham demonstrate that no matter a person’s size, the message of love can always be heard.
Why I like this book:
I love to share true stories. The author participated in the 2017 Women’s March and saw Mari lifted onto her mother’s shoulders shouting her message “Love Is Powerful,” as the crowd around her responded and began to chant her message down the street. Mari’s small voice did make a difference that day.
This beautiful and uplifting story introduces children to the power of peaceful protests, activism, using your voice to stand up for what you believe in, and creating change. I can’t think of a better time to show kids what a peaceful gathering means. This is the democracy we live in. LeUyen Pham’s illustrations are joyful and filled with so much love. She also marched in the Women’s March in Atlanta. Her beautiful pallet of colors enhance the exhilarating energy and mood of those participating in marches across the country that cold day in January day.
Make sure you read the note at the end of the book from Mari about that January day in Michigan. There is also a picture of Mari on her mother’s shoulders.
Resources: There are so many peaceful causes in local communities. Find one that represents your values and talk about it with your children. Ask them what is important to them. What would they like to see change. Encourage them to draw or write a sign with what they’d want to communicate. Perhaps in the future, you can take them to a peaceful gathering.
Heather Dean Brewer is a writer and artist. She works as an art director, designing books for both children and adults. About this books, she says, “I’ve often felt quiet and small and that no one could hear me. But when I joined others in the Women’s March and say my friend Mari lifted above the crowd, her voice echoing down the streets of New York City, I learned that even the smallest voice has power to change the world.” Heather Dean Brewer lives in Michigan with her family and loves to ride her bike in the woods. Visit Heather at her website.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
*Reviewed from a copy provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.
Love this! It brings back wonderful memories of marching peacefully with my daughter in Washington in 2017.
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I love that there is a book about a little girl peacefully protesting and sharing a message of love. Very timely! Lucky you! I had many friends marching in cities around the country.
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What an inspiring story! My sister and I both marched in the 2017 NYC Women’s March. Oh what a day!
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The story is a beautiful and carries such a powerful message. I love that you participated in the March.
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What a timely message in this book. Kids have now heard a lot about violent protests – it’s so important for them to understand the value of peaceful ones…..
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Yes, it is a timely message. I had planned to run it near MLK Day and mention the many peaceful marches that occur on this day — but had to change my resource ideas because of recent events.
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Can’t wait to read this book. I keep thinking of my experiences at the Woman’s Marches in Chicago. They were huge and so peaceful. So glad there is a book, beautifully illustrated representing that.
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Yes, I think that Heather’s timing of her book is perfect for today — to remind us that we can use our voices in peaceful protest. This story is inspiring!
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Sounds like a great book. Kids will learn a lot from it.
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Yes, I think so. It can be used by parents to talk about what peaceful protests mean. Such an uplifting story!
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What a wonderful story!! I, too, love those that are true, because it reaffirms my faith in humanity. Great pick, Patricia! Adding to my TBR list.
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It’s always fun to share stories about children making a difference in their communities and world — especially when it is a message about love. I agree. It does reaffirm our faith in humanity! We’ll get back there.
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What a perfect book for our times. Kids today need to see the positives in people coming together for a cause. Thanks for the excellent review and for introducing me to this story.
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Glad you liked it! Thought it a relevant share. Kids do need to see how people can come together in a positive manner to voice their concerns.
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Peaceful protests for change – that’s what we need.
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You will fall in love with this inspiring story! I love that it is based on a true story.
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I love stories based on true events too. It makes them even more inspiring.
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Perfect timing for this book. It really looks and sounds amazing. I have it on hold and am looking forward to reading it.
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Children making a difference — always a favorite theme for me to share. You’ll love this book and the beautiful illustrations!
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