A Boy and His Mirror

by Marchánt Davis, Keturah A. Bobo (Illustrator)

Overview

The bestselling illustrator of I Am Enough brings to life the story of a boy whose mirror gives him a whole new way of seeing himself.

Chris loves his long, curly hair, so why do his classmates tease him about it? When he looks for answers in his mirror, something wonderfully wild and weird happens: a lady appears with wise words that make him feel like a king! But when he starts acting like a king at school, it’s time for another visit to the mirror. 

Actor Marchánt Davis’s uplifting picture book debut encourages us all to look beyond hairstyles—reminding us that styles come and go—and to celebrate one another for who we are. #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Keturah A. Bobo’s stunning art brings Chris and his mirror to vibrant life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593110560
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	01/03/2023
Sold by:	Penguin Group
Format:	eBook
Pages:	32
Lexile:	AD520L (what's this?)
File size:	15 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Marchánt Davis is an actor, writer, and producer originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A Boy and His Mirror is his picture book debut. As an actor he is known for his performance in the 2019 film The Day Shall Come. He also played supporting roles in the films Tuscaloosa and A Journal for Jordan. He was nominated for a Lucille Lortel Award for his performance in Jordan E. Cooper’s Ain’t No Mo’ at The Public Theater. He holds an MFA from NYU’s Tisch Graduate Acting Program and lives in Brooklyn, New York.
 
 

Keturah Ariel Bobo (keturahariel.com) is the illustrator of the #1 New York Times bestseller I Am Enough (by Grace Byers). She is passionate about creating art that inspires, uplifts, and advocates for her community. Keturah has received notable praise for her colorful illustrative style that brings stories to life. She graduated with a BFA from Columbus College of Art and Design and lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her family of entrepreneurs. 

Editorial Reviews

Bright, evocative acrylic illustrations bring Chris and his diverse group of peers to life as he learns to love and accept himself. . . . Empowering message. . . . The highly textured illustrations work in conjunction with the lyrical text across the double-page spreads, moving the story along at a steady pace. A rousing display of pride and self-love and a reminder of the importance of kindness.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Inclusivity begins with self-assurance and connection, suggest Davis and Bobo in this expressive rhyming ballad centering a Black child with long curls. . . . Final scenes present youth of varied skin tones beaming as they energetically race around the playground. Realistic acrylic and digital artwork incorporates geometric patterns while foregrounding the protagonist’s emotions as they grow toward confidence.” —Publishers Weekly

“In Davis' story of celebrating our differences, being open-minded, and taking pride in what makes each of us unique, Bobo’s vivid and lively illustrations feature a gorgeous palette of blended and complementary shades and a spectrum of skin tones and hair textures. A love letter to natural hair and being proud of our cultures and family.” —Booklist

“This picture book debut helps readers reconcile who they are with how others perceive them, suggesting that by being accepting and kind with a positive and appropriate self-loving attitude, the same can be brokered in others. . . . The art carries the emotions of the main and secondary characters with facial and body gestures that will connect with young readers. . . . A forthright picture book that helps caregivers and teachers talk about identity with young readers.” —School Library Journal

From the Publisher

2022-10-12
A young Black boy with long, curly hair struggles to feel accepted.

Chris loves his hair even if other kids consider it “girly.” At school, some laugh and stare. Mom tries to make Chris feel better with a pep talk. When he looks in the mirror, something strange happens. A beautiful Black woman comes out of the mirror, dressed like royalty. She tells Chris that “in a faraway land, child, / you’d look like a king” and that he should embrace his hair. He returns to the mystical mirror when his kinglike behavior is lost on his peers. His enchanted mirror guides him on the behaviors of a true king, sending him on his way to lead his peers to change and show them that there is room for everyone. Bright, evocative acrylic illustrations bring Chris and his diverse group of peers to life as he learns to love and accept himself. The author conveys this empowering message through an omniscient narrator and rhyming couplets. The highly textured illustrations work in conjunction with the lyrical text across the double-page spreads, moving the story along at a steady pace. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A rousing display of pride and self-love and a reminder of the importance of kindness. (Picture book. 3-7)

Kirkus Reviews