Friday, July 1, 2022

Francis discovers possible by Ashlee Latimer, pictures by Shahrzad Maydani


I am currently weeding the picture books and renewing our Neighborhood organization and there are things I am definitely looking for. This book was not one of them, but when I read it I knew I had to have it. (In case you were wondering, I need more funny books, train books, and toddler read-alouds).

Francis, a sweet little girl in sunny yellow shorts and t-shirt with brown hair and brown skin, loves words. She enjoys sitting with her small, diverse class of eight students and reviewing letters and words and is excited that it’s her turn to pick words for “P.” But when they review their letters from last week, some of the other kids say F is for fat and whisper about Francis. The way they use “fat” makes it sound like a bad word, a mean word, and even though the teacher makes them apologize, Francis is hurt and sad and can’t stop thinking about it. Her Baba takes her to the park and they sit quietly, with no pressure for Francis to explain what’s wrong.

Then she finds a new word, “possible.” As she dreams of all the ways things can be possible, watches the other people in the park, and imagines possibilities, Francis begins to feel at home in her own skin again and realizes that “possible” is her word.

Maydani’s illustrations show a wonderful variety of body types, swimming, sunbathing, running, playing, and digging. Soft, textured illustrations bring to life Francis’ emotions and her rejuvenation as she discovers that she is more than her classmates’ mocking words.

An afterword by the author talks about her inspiration behind the story and the way she wrote it, including letting Francis experience all her emotions, sitting quietly with her Baba while she thinks things through, and seeing the beauty in many different body types.

Verdict: This makes a sweet read-aloud that is more than just an “issue” book, encouraging readers to think about their words and how they use them, and to accept and celebrate themselves.

ISBN: 9781419749100; Published May 2022 by Harry N. Abrams; Borrowed from another library in my consortium; Purchased for the library

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