Mary Can!

In a stylish authorial debut, singer Blige draws on personal experience to tell the story of a determined Black child who learns how to “beat ‘can’t’ with ‘can.’ ” Lamenting the frequency with which others say “no” (“most of the time... because they dream too small”), young Mary recounts a school incident involving a music teacher who won’t allow Mary to jump right into singing scales. Soon, “I heard ‘you can’t’ everywhere,” including about becoming an astronaut and getting a Hollywood star. Fortunately, a pep talk from role model Mommy helps overcome any doubts, and when music class next presents a chance to sing, it leaves everyone realizing “Mary can!” Colorful scribbly music notes appear throughout Corrin’s sponge-textured digital art, which celebrates intergenerational empowerment with images of Mary’s mother and grandmother as caped superheroes. A closing streetscape spotlights Mary belting out tunes from a stoop—a resolution made even more meaningful by Blige’s real-life accomplishments. An author’s note concludes. Ages 4–8. (Mar.)