Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Super Star Children's Book Review: Maybe Something Beautiful

Welcome to the monthly children’s book review feature with a focus on diverse books here at Bird Meets Worm! My team of reviewers—Cara Chow, Joan Charles, Sharon Calle—and I are so excited to be championing books celebrating everything from gender diversity, people of color, the LGBTQ community to ethnic, cultural and religious minorities, people with disabilities and developmental challenges to controversial topics, unique family situations and anything and everything I did not include. It is to say we take a rightfully board view of diversity! We aim to shine a light on books that bring both familiar experiences to those who do not often see themselves represented in books and new experiences to those looking to expand their worldview. Here at Bird Meets Worm we believe in the power of story to build empathy and thus a better world for you and me and everyone. Look for a new review on the second Wednesday of every month.



MAYBE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL

By F. Isabel Campoy & Theresa Howell • Illustrated by‎ Rafael López
Picture Book  (ages 4-7) • 40 pages
Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt  • 2016
ISBN 978-0-544-35769-3


Maybe Something Beautiful is a story about art, community, and transformation.

This brightly illustrated picture book opens with Mira, a young girl “with joy in her heart” who walks through her grey city passing out colorful, homemade art. Along the way, she greets a variety of neighbors from diverse backgrounds.

Mira meets a muralist, who encourages her to envision the city she wants to live in. She helps him transform the drab city walls into a series of colorful murals.

Inspired by this duo, the whole community soon joins in and it becomes a creative block party to the soundtrack of salsa, merengue, and bebop. Citizens from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds are united by one common cause. “Together they created something more beautiful then they had ever imagined.”

This picture book speaks to any child (or adult) who ever hoped for change. It inspires us to connect with others of all colors, races, and creeds who share our vision. Whether that vision is to beautify a neighborhood, stomp out bullying, or save open space…with power in numbers we can accomplish great things.

All families will benefit from having this gorgeous book in their collection. Children will learn about the ability of art to improve quality of life and inspire future generations of dreamers.


Buy this book:



Reviewed by: Sharon Calle