It Takes a Village

September 4, 2017
A single, bleak-looking tree stands on a hilltop. But the children gathered around it see something else: the centerpiece for a new park. They rally adults, the community rolls up its collective sleeves, and as the world comes into bloom, so does a new gathering place. Inspired by her 2006 book of the same name, Clinton’s unadorned text celebrates how civic spirit emerges: “We all have a place in the village, a job to do, and a lot to learn.” The narration remains largely in the realm of rhetorical generalities, even when tracking closely to the action. Most of the storytelling is found in Frazee’s delicately textured images, which exude energy, hope, and emotional authenticity. In one early spread, children and adults regard each other warily from opposite pages: it’s a big job—what can someone small do? The pages that follow answer by showing participation of all kinds as citizens young and old dig foundations, haul supplies, and plant flowers, and a colossal playground takes shape. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Robert B. Barnett, Williams & Connolly. Illustrator’s agent: Steven Malk, Writers House.

Although it shares a title with Clinton's 1996 work calling for a social commitment to children's welfare, this picture book offers just 16 sentences spread over 40 pages illustrated with Frazee's customarily humanistic detail. The sentences don't begin to attempt a narrative, amounting to little more than a sequence of platitudes: "Sometimes it takes a child // to make a village. // We all have a place in the village, a job to do, / and a lot to learn. // Kids don't come with instructions. / But neither do grown-ups!" The illustrations, however, do provide a visual storyline, starting with three kids--one black, one Asian, and one white--who look up at a bare tree, then talk to their grown-ups, who talk to more people, leading to the community's coming together to build an elaborate play structure beneath what turns out to be a cherry tree. In choosing this particular, child-friendly narrative, the illustrations miss opportunities. The lines "Every family needs help sometimes. Kindness and caring / and sharing matter" are illustrated with pictures of children sharing out snacks for the work crew rather than images of meaningful sharing across class divides, for instance. For all Frazee's careful inclusivity (a diversity of ages, races, and family constellations can be discerned, and one character uses a wheelchair), ethnic or faith-based attire indicating further diversity seems to be absent; there are no turbans, saris, or hijabs, for instance. The book reaches for inspiring but stalls out at bland. (Picture book. 3-7)

COPYRIGHT(2017) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. (Online Review)

October 1, 2017

PreS-Gr 2- In this warmhearted appeal to our better angels, Clinton reminds us how change comes about. Also that community, a sense of purpose, and kindness toward others begins at home. In spare lyrical text that plays with the proverb "It takes a village to raise a child," and is enhanced by Frazee's lovely pencil-and-watercolor vignettes, the book shows how children and their grown-ups come together to build a playground. The scene opens with a barren hillside and a bare tree; then, the intergenerational villagers come together, roll up their sleeves, and contribute to the project, each in his or her own way. Viewers are told that "Kindness and caring and sharing matter. Playing matters too. And resting. Because the world is in a hurry, but children are not." As the structures grow and their labors bear fruit, the passage of time is reflected in the greening landscape, the colorful plantings, and the pink blossoms of the large majestic tree as the park's centerpiece. In conclusion, Clinton expands the metaphor to state "Children are born believers. And citizens, too. Let us build a village...worthy of all children." The book's stunning endpapers feature American flags, with communities rising from each of the stripes and a rainbow on the horizon. VERDICT A picture book to share with library audiences, families, and friends. Any audience that champions the abilities and potential of children will appreciate and promote its wise sentiment.- Luann Toth, School Library Journal

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.