Using boisterous illustrations and rhythmic, rhyming text, Reed (Chicago's "rapping teacher") and Jose bring readers an endearing story about a child celebrating Juneteenth for the first time in his neighborhood. The book centers on a Black family of four as they walk to the park to join in the festivities. While Mom, Dad, and Big Bro are excited about the outing, Lil' Bro is anxious about walking around the neighborhood. A speeding truck and a barking dog ramp up his concern, but Big Bro is always ready with a hug and the comforting refrain "Don't worry, Lil' Bro, it's all good in the hood!" At last, they arrive at the park, which is full of happy people and such activities as dancing, viewing art, waving flags, and eating barbecue. Lil' Bro begins to loosen up, and when evening fireworks startle Big Bro, it's Lil' Bro's turn to give some comfort. The sweet family dynamics, particularly between the brothers, carry this story, which is less concerned with Juneteenth's history than it is about depicting an upbeat, modern celebration.

On Juneteenth, with the encouragement of his big brother, a young Black boy explores his 'hood.Mom, Dad, and Big Bro are ready to walk to the center of town for the big celebration, but the narrator, Lil' Bro, feels more comfortable and safe at home. Reluctantly, he joins the family and slowly begins to come out of his shell. He wants to play basketball, and with Big Bro's encouragement, the other kids let him play. When the ball flies into the street, Big Bro pulls Lil' Bro out of the path of a truck just in time. At the park, the celebration is noisy and overwhelming, but Big Bro helps him have a good day. Other scares on the way to and from the festivities are diminished with the help of Big Bro. By day's end, Lil' Bro adopts Big Bro's refrain of "Don't worry…it's all good in the hood!" In rhyming couplets that read like upbeat rap lyrics, educator Reed presents a relatable, worried character and his wonderfully supportive family. The story artfully weaves in a beautiful community celebrating the Juneteenth holiday as a comforting backdrop to the narrator's fears. Jose's expressive art depicts a neighborhood full of large, colorful single-family homes with gated yards and children playing outdoors on generous sidewalks. (This book was reviewed digitally.)A loving portrayal of brotherhood. (author's note) (Picture book. 3-8)

When a Black family plans to celebrate Juneteenth at a nearby park, the narrating child protagonist of this picture book would prefer to stay home---Cuz here, I-m safe and sound./ The hood feels scary when we-re walking around.- But with Big Bro-s support, the child is persuaded to head out with the family, which together navigates tense situations en route-a speeding truck, a growling dog-by reassuring the anxious child: -It-s all good in the hood.- When they find the park crowded, the overwhelmed protagonist wants to head home, but sibling support continues to save the day. Though the narrator-s fears are presented without context, Reed-s conversational rhymes and Jose-s cartoon-style digital illustrations capture the celebratory air of the family-s local Juneteenth festivities, the heightened state of the main character-s emotions, and the bolstering support that a close family relationship can bring. An author-s note briefly discusses Juneteenth. Ages 4-8. (May)