C Is for Country

January 1, 2021
This alphabet book glides on the style of viral country-trap superstar Lil Nas X. By now just about everyone must know the words to 2019's ever present "Old Town Road." Those who follow Lil Nas X closely may also recall the initial rejection he weathered as a Black artist who sought to blend hip-hop and country. Even deeper, his courage in publicly declaring and living his gay identity and his hilarious social media antics have buoyed his fame. X's brand of joyousness, boldness, and abundant love follow through in this alphabet book that presents a day in the life of a child Lil Nas X on his ranch. There's the expected animals (horses, cows, rabbits), "dirt" (letter D), and beautiful sunset landscapes (featuring that famous road for the letter O). But remember, this is Lil Nas X, so there's also his gaudy "swag" (letter S), "fake fur" (letter F), signature "hats" (letter H), and stylish "boots" (letter B). Coretta Scott King John Steptoe Award winner Taylor provides the illustrations, taking a (mostly) realistic approach to depicting a pint-sized artist amid his beautiful family. Assuredly, Lil Nas X was trolling when he tweeted that this endeavor would the "the best kids book of all time," but it delivers on expanding the boundary-busting, genre-blending, self-defining, positive-energy universe that Lil Nas X is building for his youthful fan base. And that's probably enough. (This book was reviewed digitally with 9-by-22-inch double-page spreads viewed at 57.4% of actual size.) Sure to excite the youngest fans of Lil Nas X. (Picture book. 4-7)

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January 1, 2021
The country rap star makes his obligatory celebrity foray into children's books with this ABC trip into Old Town Road territory. From "A is for adventure" to "Z is for...zzzzz," text and art mosey through a day on the ranch with, one assumes, little Lil Nas X and his pony, Panini. The featured words aren't always inspired, but the performer's messages of acceptance and love pop up from time to time: "Y is for y'all. We've got love for everybody, no matter who you are, where you're from, what you look like." Taylor's uncluttered digital illustrations are focused on the young cowpoke, his close family, and his happy trails.

(Copyright 2021 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)