I Can Make a Movie!

Gr 1-3–Norah Rose, with puffy double ponytails and brown skin, shares a special tradition of going to the movie theater with her grandfather. When ill health reduces his mobility, she resolves to bring the movie magic to him. She writes, shoots, and edits her own independent feature and invites the entire neighborhood to the premiere screening in Grandpa’s backyard. The idea of the story is charming; the illustrations, though obtrusively digital, are appropriate for the tone; and the back matter contains some appropriate definitions and tips for successful filmmaking. Yet the whole thing never quite comes together as an effective picture book. While the protagonist, with her admirable goal and can-do attitude, is someone children can root for, her portrayal is confusing. For one thing, it’s not clear how she has acquired such a comprehensive understanding of film production; being a devoted cinema-goer does not translate to directorial know-how any more than loving food makes one a talented chef. For another, her narration doesn’t ring true as childlike, saddled as it is with glib clichés like, “I’m a proud Kansas City girl,” and “Teamwork makes the dream work.” None of the characters interact with one another in a meaningful or authentic way; when they do speak, they utter hackneyed phrases: “When life gives you lemons, make magic!” Winking references to Issa Rae and Michael B. Jordan—celebrities of the adult world—only add to the palpable sense of an adult trying to appeal to children without understanding what truly makes their unique voices so special.