Based on Fred Small’s iconic folk song, Everything Possible is a poem and a promise from adult to child. “I will sing you a song no one sang to me,” it says, before it affirms:
You can be anybody you want to be,
You can love whoever you will
you can travel any country where your heart leads
and know I will love you still.
It goes on to describe various ways that the child might live, alone or with others, bold or quiet, racing ahead or taking their time, and always dreaming of what is possible. Another verse says:
Some women love women,
some men love men,
some leave every label behind.
The book urges readers not to be rattled by name calling and taunts, but to seek out true friends with whom one can share the best parts of oneself, leaving a legacy of love.
An afterward explains that the song was inspired by one of the author’s friends, a lesbian mom who wanted to teach her son that boys could be gentle and kind and express their feelings. The song/book’s perspective and message is aimed at children of all genders, though. Lyrical and sweet, this highly recommended story is perfect for bedtime or other quiet moments. Alison Brown’s soft pencil illustrations add to the warm and soothing vibe.
The book comes with a QR code at the end that can be scanned to hear the song.
