I LOOK UP TO…MICHELLE OBAMA

An earnest board-book introduction to a strong female role model for young feminists.

Actually, this book is more for caregivers eager to raise a feminist than it is for children. Membrino addresses her readers familiarly, equally casually referring to her subject as simply “Michelle” following the first-page introduction. She focuses on the former first lady’s key messages: working hard, being healthy, having fun, getting an education. In the patterned presentation, a sentence from Membrino about how Obama lives her values is followed by a quote. Burke’s vivid, playful illustrations use bold colors against patterned backgrounds. Obama is almost always dressed in bright pink. The illustrations get her stance and posture right; her eyes are exaggerated, looking directly at the reader. Her famous arms are proudly flexed on the page about “BEING HEALTHY.” The type uses contrasting colors and all-caps for emphasis. A companion book, I Look Up to…Ruth Bader Ginsburg, follows the same format. Again, Burke nails Ginsburg’s posture; her eyes look exactly like Obama’s, but she gazes from square-framed glasses. Ginsburg also wears her iconic decorative collar in every illustration, even when she is shown exercising.

Will be welcomed by caregivers looking for heroines to inspire young children.