February 1, 2023
A spoken-word artist adapts her melodic poem into a picture-book celebration of Blackness. "You so Black, when you smile, the stars come out. / You so Black, when you're born, / the god come out." The poem begins by invoking the nighttime sky and stars before moving on to mathematics and the pyramids, both of which originated in Africa. The verses praise the physical, intellectual, and emotional attributes of Black people, highlight their creative contributions, and praise their resilience in the face of hardship. The author stresses the importance of family ties along with the quest for freedom. The narrative makes it clear that Black is more than a color and that it is not restricted to any shade. The evocative language and structure are similar to that of a praise song, an African poetic form. Ladd's vibrant mixed-media collages pair perfectly with the spirited words and enhance and amplify their meaning. The bold colors and striking images support the uplifting text. Illustrations of the very recognizable inauguration of President Barack Obama and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial along with depictions of regular Black children and families reinforce the message that Black excellence is everywhere. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An intriguing blend of spoken-word and picture-book artistry. (Picture book. 4-8)
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March 6, 2023
S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D. transmutes her spoken-word poem of the same name into a reflective and rousing picture book celebration of Blackness. Expansive initial lines turn the titular phrase into a series of affirmations, kicking off: “You so Black, when you smile, the stars come out./ You so Black, when you’re born,/ the god come out.” Subsequent “Black is”
statements describe the word both via specifics (“brilliant,” “strong”) and by embracing its multiplicity of meanings (“adjective,/ adverb,/ color, /and noun”). Employing a vibrant palette, Ladd’s mixed-media collage depicts dark-complected Black figures—varying ages, body types, hairstyles, and skin tones appear throughout—against saturated, stained glass–like backdrops that include visuals of pyramids and the night sky. On one page, a child in a unicorn shirt holds a star-topped wand (“Black is grace”); another highlights a civil rights demonstration (“Black is tough.../ Black is hard to do!”). It’s a potently messaged poem thoughtfully rendered. Ages 4–8.