Mary Can!
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5.0 • 1 Rating
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
From multi-award-winning singer, artist, actress, and icon Mary J. Blige comes a fun and inspirational story that teaches young readers they can be anything, and they are enough.
Most of the time, people say “no” or “you can’t” because they dream too small.
Young Mary has been told that there are many things she can’t do. Like stay up past bedtime, or be an astronaut or become president. But what she really wants is to sing, and she isn’t about to let anyone tell her she can’t do it!
A powerful motivating tale about a confident and ambitious girl who doesn’t feed into negativity, this debut children’s book from legendary artist Mary J. Blige proves that anyone can make their dreams come true by believing in themselves. It's a great conversation starter for overcoming discouragement from others.
Brought to life with imaginative illustrations by Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning illustrator Ashleigh Corrin, Mary Can! is perfect for go-getters who aren’t afraid to be a YES in a world full of NOs.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In a stylish authorial debut, singer Blige draws on personal experience to tell the story of a determined Black child who learns how to "beat ‘can't' with ‘can.' " Lamenting the frequency with which others say "no" ("most of the time... because they dream too small"), young Mary recounts a school incident involving a music teacher who won't allow Mary to jump right into singing scales. Soon, "I heard ‘you can't' everywhere," including about becoming an astronaut and getting a Hollywood star. Fortunately, a pep talk from role model Mommy helps overcome any doubts, and when music class next presents a chance to sing, it leaves everyone realizing "Mary can!" Colorful scribbly music notes appear throughout Corrin's sponge-textured digital art, which celebrates intergenerational empowerment with images of Mary's mother and grandmother as caped superheroes. A closing streetscape spotlights Mary belting out tunes from a stoop—a resolution made even more meaningful by Blige's real-life accomplishments. An author's note concludes. Ages 4–8.
