IRIS AND CORA

Tall cousins embrace their stature and enjoy a whimsical adventure in this picture book.

White cousins Iris and Cora like being tall because it enables them to excel in sports, reach high places, and “touch the bottom of the pool.” They even form a “Stand Tall” club where tall and short Black, Asian American, brown, and White friends celebrate self-acceptance. One day in the gym, Iris leaps so high she hits “her head on the basketball hoop.” As she waits for the nurse, Iris overhears kids ridiculing her height. Feeling hurt, she runs away, but Cora catches up with her. To Iris’ shock, Cora starts flying. When Cora encourages her cousin to join her, Iris says, “I can’t…I’m a giant.” Cora responds, “I think you’re a beautiful bird,” and teaches Iris how to fly. The girls soar high in the sky, and Iris proclaims: “It is great to be tall.” The girls agree that “it’s what we think that makes us who we are.” Despite the story’s quirky, dreamlike ending, the characters’ laudable displays of self-acceptance, friendship, and encouragement are appealing. In Paquette’s inspiring tale, the cousins thoughtfully demonstrate the importance of extending kindness to peers of all sizes, skin tones, appearances, and abilities. Maclean’s boldly colored, cartoonlike illustrations emphasize the girls’ height, as when Cora can’t extend her long legs in the bathtub. The scenes feature charming details like vivid skies with rainbow accents.

Offering a fantasy spin, this engaging tale encourages readers to accept themselves and others.