By Latoya Patterson

Patterson’s  Dedication begins with: “May this book be a gentle breeze that helps you soar, a nurturing rain that lets you bloom, and a ray of sunshine that brightens your path.”

She has 22 beautifully illustrated affirmations that any child from 6 years up will identify with. Over the years I have come to realize the positive power of affirmations as life gets more and more complicated. It is surprising how many children today find themselves faced with challenges at school or elsewhere in their daily interactions.  Affirmations are short positive statements that rely on the power of the words . These chosen words have universal meanings that give the person saying them, a feeling of power, of being  heard, of strengthenin the feeling of being on the right path.

Today, 2024,  Black children all over the world, are threatened in every aspect of their life, physically, cognitively and emotionally. These affirmations identify the blocks that children are facing.  They are colourful and attractive, no matter what ethnicity. They are easy to memorize. They show children that we Black folk have to rely on our own strength in many instances.  E.g. “I am a great friend who listens and cares”.  Or “I believe in myself and my abilities”.

Patterson has every child smiling. A simple action that is so natural. And we see this in every activity!

I know Latoya has used the power of Ai for the illustrations. This is one time I am not feeling so negative about Ai. I think, in fact I know that this feeling is because she has taken the time to identify the key elements for the programming rather than just taking whatever it comes up with. This is why Latoya’s affirmations are so true.

Simple statements for the start of every day! Well Done!