We Are Allies!

by Taimani Emerald

Overview

Every person, no matter how small, can do something to change the world for us all!

In her picture book debut, Taimani Emerald, has created a gentle introduction for young readers on what being an ally looks like. Whether it's sharing, saving, joining, or creating—there are many ways to pledge support to those in need.

With soft watercolor illustrations that fans will have seen on her wildly popular posters, Taimani Emerald expands that world on the page.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250828583
Publisher:	Feiwel & Friends
Publication date:	01/17/2023
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	1,140,474
Product dimensions:	9.45(w) x 10.30(h) x 0.36(d)
Lexile:	AD540L (what's this?)
Age Range:	2 - 5 Years

About the Author

Taimani Emerald is a single mother, an author, illustrator, and activist focused on using art to help us all learn about the big stuff. Diversity, equity, inclusion and empowerment are at the heart of every piece that she creates. Her whimsical illustrations create a ripple effect of change throughout the entire world. She and her work have been featured on GMA, Huffington Post, I Heart Radio, UNTV NEWS and Koin 6 News. Taimani has hand-sold over 3,000 copies of her posters, and has also run several campaigns that allowed her to spread the message of inclusive education by sending free posters to schools and institutions in need around the world. Her art spreads a message of hope and is revolutionizing the way we educate, the way we embrace, and the way we call for change.

Editorial Reviews

11/14/2022

Emerald defines and encourages allyship in this conversation-prompting book, which opens with children encountering difficult news (“Vigil for young Black trans girl killed by police,” reads a word bubble over a TV). Large fonts describe the accompanying big feelings (“Scary,” “Sad,” “Wrong”), but the tone shifts as text suggests ways to change the world (“sharing,” “saving,” “joining,” “creating”). Washed in desaturated rainbow hues, unevenly lined art features individuals of varying abilities and skin tones coming together in solidarity as they donate toys, walk in a parade holding rainbow flags aloft, make encouraging posters, and challenge bullying. Simple questions (“How can I make the world a better place?”) and straightforward takeaways (“Being an ally means standing up if you see someone being treated unfairly”) make this a matter-of-fact instruction manual for spreading kindness: “Every person, no matter how small, can do something to change the world for us all.” Ages 2–5. (Jan.)

Publishers Weekly

"Simple questions (“How can I make the world a better place?”) and straightforward takeaways (“Being an ally means standing up if you see someone being treated unfairly”) make this a matter-of-fact instruction manual for spreading kindness: “Every person, no matter how small, can do something to change the world for us all.”–Publishers Weekly

"The author’s note sums up the value of the book as a way to help verbalize the injustice in the world in a way kids will understand and empower them to make a difference by giving them things they can do. VERDICT This vividly illustrated manual teaches kids how to be allies, optimistic, and think how they can participate in change. A necessary purchase."–School Library Journal

From the Publisher

02/01/2023

PreS-Gr 1—This picture book is full of vivid watercolor illustrations that provide a simple yet powerful steps anyone can take to be an ally. In simple language, it makes the point that children are exposed to bad news about devastating events affecting a lot of people. Current events on the news are everywhere and can be scary or sad. But, announces a Black woman with a megaphone, there is good news, too. Everyone can change the world. Children can share what they have and donate old toys. They can stand up for someone being treated unfairly and not stay quiet when someone is being mean. They can participate in walks for a cause and create signs. There's so much everyone can do to make the world better now and for future generations. There are discussion questions to help start a necessary conversation on these topics. The author's note sums up the value of the book as a way to help verbalize the injustice in the world in a way kids will understand and empower them to make a difference by giving them things they can do. VERDICT This vividly illustrated manual teaches kids how to be allies, optimistic, and think how they can participate in change. A necessary purchase.—Myiesha Speight

School Library Journal

2022-11-29
A call to action for young readers to be allies and enact change.

The unrelenting news cycle can negatively impact youngsters, as shown by diverse children responding with fear and sadness on the first pages of this book. But activism starts early, and, together and individually, they find ways to push back. By looking out for each other, attending rallies, sharing resources, and creating artwork, these children learn how to be allies—defined in various ways, including “standing up if you see someone being treated unfairly.” Books that convey strong messages of solidarity and social justice are important, but this title is hampered by rather simplistic illustrations that depict actions without fully explaining the meanings or purposes behind them. On one spread, a brown-skinned child is seen dropping money into a box on a table with a “Donate here” sign, but there is no indication of what they’re donating to or how they’re helping to effect change. Another scene shows a brown-skinned child comforting a brown-skinned hijabi who has experienced bullying (portrayed as a group of unspecified hands pointing at the youngster)—an underdeveloped moment that doesn’t convey how challenging it can be to stand up in the face of oppression. An array of people who represent intersecting areas of diversity, including disability, are depicted. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

An introduction to activism and allyship that falls short of inspiring. (author’s note) (Picture book. 5-7)

Kirkus Reviews