School Library Journal Starred Review (Sat Jun 01 00:00:00 CDT 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

ALA Booklist (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

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.

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

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. (Mar.)