Let It Shine! A Celebration of You

Boston Weatherford reimagines “This Little Light of Mine,” expanding it into an exuberant call for children to recognize their own brilliance, legacy, and potential. Exultant text connects collective actions (“This little light reflects/ an everlasting flame—/ hope that was passed down to you/ by those who overcame”) to progress and future possibility (“A new sun is rising./ Tomorrow’s yours to claim. LET IT SHINE/ LET IT SHINE/ LET IT SHINE”). Andrews’s unlined digital illustrations incorporate fluid shapes and jewel tones, depicting historical figures including Shirley Chisholm, Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Tubman as well as contemporary brown-skinned figures of various abilities, ages, and body types celebrating, reading, star-gazing, and more. Full of the original’s rhythmic verve, it’s a radiant celebration of heritage, perseverance, and self-belief. Back matter includes an author’s note and timeline. Ages 4–8. (Jan.)