We Move the World

In this empowering nonfiction picture book, children’s everyday actions are presented alongside significant historical figures and events, showing how every achievement starts small. Employing brief free verse couplets relayed in a collective first-person voice, debut author Lavelle parallels actions including first steps and writing the alphabet alongside walking on the moon and writing the president for change, respectively. “We solve puzzles,” for example, is attended by facts on the following page: “Native American code talkers where critical in both World Wars, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.” Digital illustrations by Ali have a warm, painterly feel, with animation-style kids and historical figures of varying abilities, ages, religions, and skin tones. Dual voices vary tonally, historical figures appear out of logical order, and some events are insufficiently detailed—the Covid-19 pandemic, for example, is discussed in the past tense—making for a variable introduction to a range of historical luminaries. Back matter includes a timeline, notes about the events, and further resources. Ages 4–8. [em](May) [/em]