Everything Possible

Musician Small’s well-known folk song is adapted here into a comforting picture book lullaby about acceptance, individuality, and love. In the shadowy hush of night, a child portrayed with tan skin readies for bed inside a seaside home. Small’s uplifting verses then unfold, delivering a reassuring message: “You can be anybody you want to be,/ you can love whoever you will,/ you can travel any country where your heart leads/ and know I will love you still.” Brown’s delicately scribbly illustrations shift from night to day, depicting the child frolicking in the surf, tending a garden with friends, greeting neighbors, and strolling through the park observing intersectionally diverse community members. Exhibiting themes of unconditional love and living an authentic life, this tune turned tome offers supportive tentpoles for anyone forging their own path. A note on the song’s origin and a QR code linking to both story and song conclude. Ages 4–8. (May)