KEEP DREAMING, BLACK CHILD

“Dreams carry whispers from your soul.”

This picture book encourages young readers to follow their dreams. Dreams are powerful, Williams notes. “They allow you, the dreamer, to see your celebrated role in the global community.” They “speak of our future” and “shape our life choices.” The images depict Black and brown children creating, doing, and, of course, dreaming. Windows and doors figure heavily in the visuals; one image shows a child walking along a path made up of giant books before walking through a door to another world—perhaps a reference to the work of Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop. Moons, stars, and planets steeped in lavenders, pinks, and blues make the book feel otherworldly. The poetic and ethereal writing is a call for young people to be antiracist, to make the impossible possible, and to employ patience and dedication to make their dreams come true. Though some of the wording may be a bit abstract for the target audience, the artwork will resonate, and the text will likely spark conversations between children and supportive adults. Books promoting kindness and empowerment to young people are always needed. Fans of Antiracist Baby (2020) by Ibram X. Kendi, illustrated by Ashley Lukashevsky, and Woke Baby (2018) by Mahogany L. Browne, illustrated by Theodore Taylor III, will enjoy this motivating book.

Stirring words and images for budding activists and leaders.