LITTLE REBELS

A band of young naturalists leap forward for change in Morales’ eco-conscious appeal.

“How shall we begin?” The inquiry comes from three diminutive “rebeldes” (Spanish for rebels)—one with basalt-colored skin, one with rich brown skin, and another with vitiligo of the skin. Morales pulls various streaks of inspiration—an Olmec head, a blue land crab—together to weave earth-toned artwork that amazes. So what does it mean to be a little rebel? Apart from appearing in “all colors and forms,” little rebels “take the time we need to find each other,” ask questions, use words to “shape the world we want to live in,” and dream big. The three youngsters merrily travel across the land, joined by a dog, butterflies, and a small bird, before one suggests playing with agüita (water). Arriving at the lagoon, the rebels instead find a dried-up bed of cracked soil, much to their dismay. And then, “KEEEK.” Their little feathered friend falls through a crack. Calling on their older brethren—las abuelas rebeldes—for guidance, the little rebels rise to save the day. Sprinkling a few Spanish words among the predominantly English text, Morales wistfully invites readers to consider their relationship with nature, encouraging self-reflection and creativity in equal measure. Though overstuffed with narration, speech bubbles, and occasional comics-style phrases, this rallying cry nonetheless beckons all dreamers. Publishes simultaneously in Spanish.

Gently radical.