T'Arrah Marjé/Cameron Wilson
With a little shine of sunlight, a rose can bloom in even the most unlikely of places.
That optimistic outlook rings forth from T'Arrah Marjé's debut book, Still A Rose. And it's a reminder worth hearing, for both kids and adults. But spare a thought for the children; they're flying blind during the coronavirus pandemic. That means less time with friends, less activities, and, crucially, navigating uncharted waters with the advent of remote learning. It's important to keep in mind that kids can struggle mentally with these challenges, not to mention dealing with other social or economic factors that might make life more difficult.
Enter Marjé, with a few words of affirmation shared via poetry. Still A Rose chronicles but a fleeting moment in a child's life, as he stops a stroll through the city to gaze at a single flower sprouting through the cracks of the sidewalk. It's the last place he might expect to find a rose, but this encounter fills him with confidence.
The child's slowly building confidence is captured exceptionally by illustrator Cameron Wilson. The bright reds of the flower pop against the city backdrop, and Wilson gradually increases the child's glow and belief as the pages turn. All in all, Still A Rose is a must-read for any kid who feels lost or confused.
But to paraphrase Marjé: "Wherever your roots are planted, there is still potential to be whoever you want to be on this planet, because a rose is still a rose no matter where it grows."
Thank you to Cotton Tails, the place to find unique children's clothing and shoes, found in the Laurelwood Shopping Center, and Literacy Mid-South for sponsoring this children’s book review! Learn more about the various programs offered by Literacy Mid-South by visiting their site literacymidsouth.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @literacymidsouth.