Super Star Children's Book Review: Parker Looks Up

Welcome to the monthly children’s book review feature with a focus on diverse books here at Bird Meets Worm! My team of reviewers—Joan Charles, Laurie Young, Sarah Orgill—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 broad 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.

PARKER LOOKS UP

By Parker Curry & Jessica Curry • Illustrated by Brittany Jackson

Picture Book (ages 4-8) • 32 pages

Published by Aladdin • 2019

ISBN 978-1-5344-5186-5

 

Parker Looks Up begins with the Curry family’s real life outing to the National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. Parker, her sister Ava and her friend, Gia, stroll from artwork to artwork, pointing out all the fun details—jeweled necklace, bushy mustache, brilliant feathers—against the backdrop of the museum’s grand architecture.

 

Parker’s day the museum culminates in the viral moment when she arrives at the portrait of Michelle Obama, painted by artist Amy Sherald, and look ups. Jackson’s bright and energetic artwork captures the awe, recognition and inspiration Parker feels as she looks up at the iconic portrait of the former First Lady. And the audience can’t help but be caught up, too!

 

The power of representation is evident and joyously celebrated as we see Parker imagining herself and all she can be and do in the image of Michelle Obama.

 

Buy this book:

 

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Reviewed by: Jane Smith