Shelf Awareness--Francis Discovers Possible

PB Review: Francis Discovers Possible

Francis Discovers Possible by Ashlee Latimer, illust. by Shahrzad Maydani (Abrams Books for Young Readers, 32p., ages 4-8, 9781419749100)

In this warm and appealing picture book by debut author Ashlee Latimer, with art by Poetree illustrator Shahrzad Maydani, word-loving Francis faces classroom unkindnesses in a way that may encourage young readers.

Pig-tailed, rosy-cheeked, brown-skinned Francis loves words. And she loves Tuesdays because that's the day Mr. Prewett asks a student to pick a letter. It's Francis's turn and she is ready to choose the letter "P." But first the class reviews letters already chosen: "A is for antelope... R is for rainbow... T is for trampoline." When Mr. Prewett asks about the letter "F," Tabitha whispers "Fat," and Jericho adds "like Francis." Francis has always thought of Fat as something that's warm, like "belly rubs for [her] puppy," or "using Mama's fluffy arm as the best pillow." But Tabitha makes Fat "cold" and Jericho makes Francis feel small. After school, Baba takes her to the park, where Francis, snuggled safely under his arm, comes up with a brand-new P word: Possible. Possible is learning to swim, is planting, is leaves dancing in the wind. "Possible made Francis feel warm and big--like Fat." It makes her feel like she can once again "take up space and share her words, and wish and dance and play."

Latimer says in an author's note that her moving narrative was written to allow people with bodies like hers to see themselves as the protagonist instead of the "plucky best friend." Maydani's fanciful pastel and watercolor illustrations are expressive, calling attention to Francis's feelings while also showcasing a wonderfully diverse neighborhood where the realm of imagination (and the Possible!) is never far away. --Lynn Becker, reviewer, blogger, and children's book author.

Discover: In this gentle, appealing picture book, Francis faces unkind remarks from classmates and regains self-esteem by embracing what’s “Possible.”