PICTURE BOOK REVIEW: My Block Looks Like by Janelle Harper & Frank Morrison

 

MY BLOCK LOOKS LIKE

written by Janelle Harper, illustrated by Frank Morrison

Viking, 2024

ISBN: 978-0-593-52630-9

Source: Publisher for review (Thanks!)

Ages 4-8

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Book cover & summary provided by publisher through Goodreads.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A love letter to the hustle, the bustle, the joy, and the grit of city life by debut author and Bronx native, Janelle Harper, and two-time Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner, Frank Morrison. "My block looks like a collision of cultures a melting pot of cool a burst of life my favorite groove. . .No matter what happens I’ve seen it for myself my block looks like the coolest place I’ve ever been." A lyrical and proud picture book that recognizes the beauty of the bodegas, subways, and playgrounds that characterize everyday life in the Bronx and pays homage to the ways that its residents have shaped pop culture through music, visual art, and dance. Perfect for fans of I Am Every Good Thing and Last Stop on Market Street, My Block Looks Like offers kids a reaffirming message to celebrate and uplift their communities in an energetic text that begs to be read aloud.

REVIEW

Harper's poem highlights all the things that a young black child loves about the Bronx. The hustle and bustle, the 'silver limo' (subway), hip hop, double Dutch, fire hydrants spraying water in the summer all show up in Morrison's luminous illustrations as well as the bouncy text. This book just begs to be read aloud and discussed with children. Young listeners are bound to want to talk about what they love about their homes after hearing this energetic book. As always, Frank Morrison's paintings glow with life; they convey a feeling of warmth and excitement. As the girl moves through her neighborhood, readers catch a glimpse of just what it is that she loves about the place she calls home. Both words and texts highlight the impact the Bronx has had on the arts: music, dance, and art. A wonderful book that reminds readers of the joy that can be found in the world around us when people take the time to look for it.