I'll Walk with You

Created first as a song, the book’s lyrical verses affirm the love and acceptance of people of all ages, races, religions, orientations, and social standings. At a glance, it seems as though the world is judging, but turn the page to find out how love is shown through simple acts of kindness. Multicolored figures and faces comprised of geometric shapes and bold colors convey the emotionally charged promise that you never have to be alone.

“If I could recommend only one picture book purchase on tolerance to add to every child’s home library, I’ll Walk With You by Carol Lynn Pearson would be it. The diverse and modern aesthetic of the illustrations and the poetic message that everyone deserves to be loved no matter what is beautifully depicted on each page. It effortlessly ties the essence of tolerance together and is a truly wonderful read.”

I think this book is about kindness to strangers and to your family and to everyone who is different from you.

I like how everyone is having fun. The sad people get happy because someone wants to play with them.

I absolutely love the interaction between the text and artwork by Jane Sanders. Each verse is accompanied by what at first appears to be discrimination or disregard but is actually a show of love. My favorite is the uppity shopkeeper who is rushing towards a shabby woman who has entered her boutique. It seems like she is rushing to shoo the woman out, but she was just in a hurry to cuddle the baby hidden just out of sight.

“School is near and already here for some, and I can’t think of a more important message to teach your little readers: Walk with those who are different no matter their outer appearance, where they come from or what their abilities are.”