We Can! by Alexandra Strick and Steve Antony is an uplifting picture book that invites children to imagine and work towards a better, safer, greener, and kinder world.
The story centres around 15 diverse children who come together to organise the We Can! Festival. Through their journey, they model teamwork, creativity, and kindness, showing how small, meaningful actions can ripple outward to inspire change. From green activities like seed planting to mural-making, mindfulness, and random acts of kindness, the book is packed with practical and age-appropriate ideas for positively impacting the world. Teachers will appreciate how the narrative weaves these activities into a rich tapestry of themes such as sustainability, inclusion, and the importance of community.
What makes We Can! particularly special is its authenticity. The book is rooted in the contributions of real children whose hopes, dreams, and suggestions shaped its creation. This collaboration shines through in the book’s genuine tone and relatable ideas, reminding readers that every child has a voice and the power to make a difference. Steve Antony’s illustrations capture the joyful energy of the children and their festival inclusively and engagingly. The colourful artwork is brimming with detail, making it perfect for shared reading sessions where children can spot new elements with each revisit. The diversity of the characters reflects a wide range of abilities, backgrounds, and experiences, ensuring every reader can see themselves represented.
This book is a joy to read and a practical springboard for discussions and accessible and actionable activities in the classroom. Its emphasis on collective action and creativity makes it ideal for PSHE lessons, eco-club projects, or as inspiration for school-wide initiatives like kindness days or sustainability topics. We Can! is a book that doesn’t just tell children they can make a difference—it shows them how, step by step, idea by idea. As a joyous call to action, We Can! deserves a place in every school library and classroom. By fostering creativity, compassion, and community, it’s a book that helps us all believe that, yes, we can!
