Mary Can!

March 15, 2023
Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Blige encourages kids to march to the beat of their own drums. Mary, a Black girl based on the author, loves playing double Dutch, cooking with her grandmother, and singing. What doesn't our spirited protagonist love? The word no. Nothing frustrates her more than being told she can't do something. When Mary's teacher Mrs. Robinson tells the class that they'll be learning scales and then picking a lead singer for an upcoming showcase, Mary starts belting out, "Do, re, mi." Mrs. Robinson stops her: "Mary, you CAN'T jump right into scales; you don't know them yet." After that, Mary seems to hear You can't everywhere you go. Her mother tells her that the phrase just isn't part of their family's vocabulary, and with a renewed sense of confidence, Mary "learns...to beat 'can't' with 'can.' " And when she returns to school and asks Mrs. Robinson if she can sing scales, Mary proves that yes, indeed, she can. Infused with an affirming tone, this picture book features bright, peppy colors, plenty of energy, and a winsome protagonist. In an author's note, Blige explains that the book was inspired by her own experiences. Mrs. Robinson is Black; Mary's classmates are diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Will please the author's adult fans and win her a new generation of admirers. (Picture book. 4-8)

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April 1, 2023

K-Gr 2-For the fictional heroine at the center of this story, Mary, a young Black girl, hearing "no" or "you can't" is a frequent and unwelcome experience. In answer to the relatively banal wish (wearing mismatched shoes) to the grand (becoming an astronaut), variations on "you can't" seem to follow her everywhere. When her teacher, a Black woman, tells her she can't sing scales yet, Mary reflects on the determination of her mother and grandmother (both Black women), and determines to assert that she CAN. An author's note at the end reminds young readers that sometimes hearing "you can't" is for their own safety, but when it comes to one's goals and aspirations, to dream big. This distinction-when "you can't" is appropriate and when it isn't-may lead to some confusion for very young readers but is a good jumping-off point for a conversation between children and their caregivers. The character of Mary is based on singer/songwriter/actress and first-time author Blige's childhood experiences, and her celebrity status may be appealing to parents. Vibrant, brightly colored digital illustrations allow readers a peek inside a vivid imagination and enhance understanding of her emotions. When Mary is singing, musical notes float across the page, and when she is dejected, there is a noticeable lack of color. VERDICT While this colorful book by the award-winning singer and actress doesn't tread on new territory, it is a solid choice for most collections.-Kadie Seitz

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 17, 2023
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.