Review by Booklist Review
This celebration of a momentous time in the history of the U.S., captured in a single instant, brings the hopes and dreams of a girl of color into immediate focus. Co-written by the subject of the story and her mother, it centers around Parker, an African American girl visiting the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC with her family. While admiring the artwork hanging on the walls (facsimiles of the actual pieces are reproduced throughout the story), she comes across the official portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama, by Amy Sherald, and is struck by a likeness that had rich brown skin, just like Parker, and she sees a road before her with endless possibilities. Poignant at heart, this book is ideal for children struck by the profundity of the original photo, as well as, more generally, little ones excited by art and art museums. Though the original viral photo isn't included, which takes away some of the story's impact, the rounded, bubbly artwork (final not seen) is affectionate and inviting. An affirming story about the power of art, particularly art featuring and by Black women.--Shaunterria Owens Copyright 2020 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Mother/daughter collaborators Jessica, a blogger, and four-year-old Parker unspool this story of an African-American girl's powerful experience with portraiture from the family's real-life museum visit. Ballerina Parker loves dance class, but when her mother suggests they head to the museum one day, the two and little sister Ava fasten their coats, splash through puddles on their way to Washington, D.C.'s National Portrait Gallery, and meet up with a friend, instead. With fast-paced curiosity, they view myriad famous works, reproduced throughout, until, on the way out, Amy Sherald's statuesque portrait of Michelle Obama brings Parker to a full stop, wide-eyed and "spellbound" in Jackson's digital art. The viewing sparks a change as Parker sees herself represented, feels "powerful and strong, and... inside she was dancing" as she contemplates "a road before her with new possibilities." The anecdotal narrative is a bit loose in places, but the creators' conceit--that representation makes all the difference--is profound. Ages 4--8. (Oct.)
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Review by Horn Book Review
Preschooler Parker visits the National Portrait Gallery and is entranced by Amy Sherald's painting of First Lady Michelle Obama. The brief text (co-written by Parker and her mother) and cartoony but personality-rich illustrations capture the girl's exuberance while exploring the gallery and then her awe of the portrait. â€~'She is a queen,' Parker whispered.â€TM A joyous and empowering picture book, based on a viral 2018 photograph. (c) Copyright 2021. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
This book is based on the viral photograph of African American toddler Parker Curry, who, during a visit to the National Portrait Gallery, became mesmerized by Amy Sherald's portrait of Michelle Obama, who she thought was a queen.One rainy afternoon, Parker's mother (co-author Jessica Curry) makes the suggestion that they visit the museum, little sister Ava in tow. At the museum, they see Parker's friend Gia and her mother. The three girls dance through the halls of the museum noticing horses, flowers, and feathers in the famous works of art. Just before they leave, Parker notices the portrait of Michelle Obama, stops in her tracks, and that viral photographic moment is born. Parker's thoughts about what she sees when she looks at Michelle Obama are assumed by her expressive gaze, well captured by illustrator Jackson. The reimagined images of the paintings are brilliant. In one, Einstein seems to be looking down on Parker and Gia, who laugh at his "bushy mustache," and ballerinas in "frilly white tutus" step out of the frame to join the girls as they dance down a hall. (The actual titles of the paintings are included in the backmatter.) One illustration shows a diverse group of children engaging in various activities, which invites young readers to imagine a world of possibilities for themselves, the way Parker does.A delightful story that speaks powerfully to the importance of representation. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
