Me and the Boss: A Story about Mending and Love by Michelle Edwards, April Harrison
Published by Anne Schwartz Books on October 11, 2022
ISBN: 0593310675
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Me and the Boss: A Story about Mending and Love tells a story with which most children will be familiar, about the sometimes complicated, sometimes simple love between older and younger siblings. The love and struggles in this picture book about Lee and his big sister (“The Boss”) Zora feel real, familiar and vital.

It is a day in the life of these siblings, and they go to the library together, where a craft project highlights the difference an age span can make in the finished product. Lee looks at Zora’s embroidered flower and has the uncomfortable awareness that his moon is not as polished. Lee learns to have patience with himself, and to have faith in his own abilities. A loving support system is in place, from a kind librarian, loving parents, and “The Boss” herself. The family, and the librarian are brown; other characters depicted in the book represent many skin colors.

The spare prose (“I reach for her hand, and she squeezes mine.”) and warm, vivid illustrations by April Harrison (Nana Akua Goes to School) work together beautifully. This would make a wonderful read aloud in a public or school library setting. As an added bonus, the back matter contains instructions for a simple embroidery project, great in any library MakerSpace/takeaway programming. Highly recommended for purchase.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, Young School Library, Saco