Boogie Boogie, Y'all by C.G. Esperanza
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on August 10, 2021
ISBN: 0062976222
Pages: 40
Genres: Arts, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Boogie Boogie, Y'all is a book full of energy and rhythm. The story is about street art in a city, that no one is appreciating, until one child notices, and then another. The book is filled with lots of noise from voices and onomatopoeias. The illustrations are brimming of motion, from people running around, skateboarding, dancing, until finally the art comes alive too.
The illustrations are painted in street art style, with high contrast and dramatic shadowing.

The story is a tribute to graffiti and city life. I loved the children stopping to notice their surroundings and appreciating the art. It makes reference to people thinking graffiti is dirty and gross. The story ends with the young kids taking out their own cans and spray painting their neighborhood.

I adore the love for everything street art, the idea that in a busy place it’s nice to slow down and enjoy your surroundings, and that the kids get to participate in the art. But showing children vandalizing seems odd when geared this young, and missing the nuances of when and why this type of art might be worth breaking the law.

Recommended for ages 4-8.
Reviewed by Katie Drago, Children’s Librarian, Rockland Public Library, Rockland, ME