Before the ships The birth of Black excellence

This lyrical and reaffirming picture book seeks to give young readers a sense of Black history far beyond the limits of standard school curricula that start with the slave trade and concentrate on African interactions with Westerners. Before the Ships makes references to the highly sophisticated cultures that historically thrived throughout the continent of Africa, referencing expansive empires, impressive feats of architecture and engineering, societies that teemed with skilled doctors, mathematicians, astronomers, explorers, and artists, plus shoutouts to great warriors, including "Hannibal, the great general of Carthage, to Amanirenas, the warrior queen of Kush." All this information is delivered in spare, carefully crafted lines that occasionally rhyme and always effortlessly flow in pleasing cadences reminiscent of traditional griots and folktellers. The latter part of the book shifts to modern images of Black people, offering assurances that they have always been limitless thinkers and leaders and outstanding, strong individuals, no matter the circumstances. The satisfyingly detailed illustrations are rendered in muted hues that effectively portray both ancient regimes and scenes from present day, supporting the dreamy, thoughtful sense of history passing by. This offers an accessible and fresh perspective and should be considered for most collections.

"Long before a slave ship sailed,/ we shined like bright stars--/ brilliant and beautiful." In an insightful picture book, Oso (Buster the Bully) offers an empowering portrait of African peoples "before the ships." Alliterative and assonant lines expound on the lives of individuals thriving in Africa, where "we birthed creation,/ cradled civilizations,/ nurtured nations"; "we were royalty,/ reigning, ruling entire empires"; "we were doctors, farmers, leaders of tribes"; and much more. In digital illustrations both detailed and sweeping, Bradley (Snowy Mittens) portrays people with a range of skin tones, hairstyles, and dress alongside landscapes that reflect a broad sky. On one spread, warriors sit astride elephants, while text references both Hannibal and Amanirenas; on another, children rest in tall grasses while lines describe how "many modern-day sciences stem from our genius." A narrative turn moves the text into the present day, a time "after the ships," emphasizing how "we are/ still shining,/ still beautiful,/ still brilliant." It's an apt, affirming history that connects readers to ancestors while underlining how "Black lives have always mattered." An author's note concludes. Ages 4--8. Author's agent: Jemiscoe Chambers-Black, Andrea Brown Literary. Illustrator's agent: Jennifer Rofé, Andrea Brown Literary. (Aug.)