Bros

January 1, 2024
Five young Black boys come together for a day of ecstatic play at the park. The rose-painted landscape of sunrise greets readers as this book opens on three friends meeting in the morning quiet of a playground. After the kids enjoy a rollicking wagon ride and build an imaginary time machine, two more friends join the group, and the five play pretend, explore a garden, visit the library, shoot hoops, and have adventures until the sun goes down. Weatherford's spare, subject-verb text captures Brown's vibrant spreads (or perhaps it's the other way round) in a heartbeat of rhyme: "Bros dare. We care. We speak. We geek. We lead. We read." Brown's soft but textured illustrations feel fresh and open, with all the energy of cartoon callbacks and the spontaneity of playground fun. The crew of bros represent an array of melanin in rich shades of brown; they're also diverse in terms of body type and ability, to say nothing of the fresh cuts and fly natural styles atop their heads. The text lends itself to rhythmic storytimes, first-time forays into solo reading, and even some sight-word practice. But more than this, this book's significance is the simple, uninterrupted joy and shared belonging present in each of the spaces the group of five chooses to be--a liberation that Black boys can't always find outside (or indeed within) a book's pages. Delightful. (Picture book. 4-8)

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January 29, 2024
Using spare rhyming lines, Boston Weatherford pens an engaging, affirmation-filled ode in this communally focused picture book inspired by the #BlackBoyJoy meme. As the pages open with a rising sun (“Bros glow”), a child and a dog walk to a playground to meet up with a growing number of friends (“We grow”). Brown’s vivid digital art depicts the three with enthusiasm to spare on the playground, where they’re soon joined by another two, the group shown with varied abilities, body types, and skin tones. The five kids “stride... ride... laugh... craft... cry... smile,” and truly delight in each other’s company. Turning pages show the day progressing, as the group takes a selfie (“We style”), tends to the community garden (“Bros dare. We care”), and chooses titles at a local library (“We lead. We read”) before heading to a basketball court. A closing shot spotlights the group’s affection and confidence, compelling readers to “RECOGNIZE!” the significance of brotherhood and friendship. Ages 4–8.

January 31, 2024
Preschool-Grade 2 Weatherford's heartwarming text is complemented by vivid, cozy illustrations in this picture book that follows a group of close-knit friends as they spend time together in their favorite spots. From reading at the library to playing basketball to exploring their emotions, both the highs and lows, the "bros" are always there to inspire, encourage, and support one another. Amid a soothing palette, Brown depicts and celebrates a diverse group of Black boys defying harmful and hateful stereotypes and showcases them in times of joy, friendship, and brotherhood. The rhyming lines here, accompanied by the full-page illustrations, will have eager readers following the friends as they write their own story, from playing role-playing games to doing arts and crafts to having meaningful conversations with one another, a reminder that these boys deserve to lead safe, fulfilled childhoods. The love and care that each of these unnamed characters has for one another is palpable in these gorgeously and thoughtfully illustrated pages.

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Starred review from June 28, 2024

PreS-Gr 1-It is a green and clear day to be outside with friends, daring, pretending, learning, and doing what children do best: using their imagination. For these five Black children, having fun also means going to the library, caring for plants, supporting one another, and welcoming all friends, even when one is using a wheelchair. Weatherford's straightforward narrative, barely two words per page, is organized through the pronoun "we," followed by various verbs representing the children's actions during playtime. The illustrations evoke pointillism, emphasizing the flowery and green ground and a clear sky that is inviting for outdoor activities and whose color changes to denote the passing of hours during a day's play. This picture book is driven by its art, with images of expressive and happy children-no adults-in an idyllic landscape. These children are in contact with nature, books, and all the activities that friendship inspires. This book could be read in a first-grade unit on present tense simple verbs or a preschool story hour on friendship. VERDICT A picture book that invites children to play outside, in nature, with friends, and with plenty of imagination.-Kathia Ibacache

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