Bros

Brown’s soft but textured illustrations feel fresh and open, with all the energy of cartoon callbacks and the spontaneity of playground fun. . . . The text lends itself to rhythmic storytimes, first-time forays into solo reading, and even some sight-word practice. But more than this, this book’s significance is the simple, uninterrupted joy and shared belonging present in each of the spaces the group of five chooses to be—a liberation that Black boys can’t always find outside (or indeed within) a book’s pages. Delightful.
—Kirkus Reviews

Using spare rhyming lines, Boston Weatherford pens an engaging, affirmation-filled ode in this communally focused picture book inspired by the #BlackBoyJoy meme. . . . Brown’s vivid digital art depicts the three with enthusiasm to spare on the playground, where they’re soon joined by another two, the group shown with varied abilities, body types, and skin tones. . . . A closing shot spotlights the group’s affection and confidence, compelling readers to “RECOGNIZE!” the significance of brotherhood and friendship.
—Publishers Weekly

Weatherford’s heartwarming text is complemented by vivid, cozy illustrations in this picture book that follows a group of close-knit friends as they spend time together in their favorite spots. . . . Amid a soothing palette, Brown depicts and celebrates a diverse group of Black boys defying harmful and hateful stereotypes and showcases them in times of joy, friendship, and brotherhood. . . . The love and care that each of these unnamed characters has for one another is palpable in these gorgeously and thoughtfully illustrated pages.
—Booklist

Employing simple but engaging rhyme schemes and action words, Weatherford celebrates Black boys in all their variety and richness. Reggie Brown’s joyful and colorful illustrations capture the wide range of youthful experiences penned so skillfully by the author. This is a much-needed addition to books that center Black boys.
—Wade Hudson, cofounder of Just Us Books and anthology coeditor of The Talk: Conversations about Race, Love & Truth, a New York Times Book Review Best Children’s Book of the Year

Spilling with joy! You’ll want to share this with anyone and everyone!
—Tami Charles, New York Times best-selling author of All Because You Matter

Immediately engaging. Simple words show Black Boy Joy at its best.
—Charles R. Smith Jr., author of Twelve Rounds to Glory, a Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book

Bros rhymes and shines and soars and scores!
Bros is exactly the kind of book I would have loved to buy for my sons when they were younger!
Funny, silly, and warm—you should definitely hang out with these Bros!
Bros is like a group hug from all your besties!
—Jerry Craft, author-illustrator of the Newbery Medal winner New Kid

A beautiful story about a day filled with Black Boy Joy.
Weatherford and Brown are giving us Black Boy Joy at its best.
—Varian Johnson, author of The Parker Inheritance, a Boston Globe–Horn Book Award Honor Book