We Are Allies!

Emerald defines and encourages allyship in this conversation-prompting book, which opens with children encountering difficult news (“Vigil for young Black trans girl killed by police,” reads a word bubble over a TV). Large fonts describe the accompanying big feelings (“Scary,” “Sad,” “Wrong”), but the tone shifts as text suggests ways to change the world (“sharing,” “saving,” “joining,” “creating”). Washed in desaturated rainbow hues, unevenly lined art features individuals of varying abilities and skin tones coming together in solidarity as they donate toys, walk in a parade holding rainbow flags aloft, make encouraging posters, and challenge bullying. Simple questions (“How can I make the world a better place?”) and straightforward takeaways (“Being an ally means standing up if you see someone being treated unfairly”) make this a matter-of-fact instruction manual for spreading kindness: “Every person, no matter how small, can do something to change the world for us all.” Ages 2–5. (Jan.)