Three Little Birds is arguably one of legendary singer-songwriter Bob Marley’s most recognizable works. It’s one of those songs that is fun to listen to, is beaming with the positivity Marley is known for, and is a happy addition to a child’s music library. So it is no surprise that Bob Marley’s daughter, Cedella Marley, thought it fit to adapt the song to a picture book for kids.
Every Little Thing features the smiling illustrations of Vanessa Brantley-Newton and begins with the familiar lyrics, “Rise up this morning, smile with the rising sun,” as a young boy in dreadlocks greets the day with a grin.
The boy is seen facing a number of everyday childhood tribulations—a rainy day for the walk to school, loneliness at the playground, a kitchen project gone awry, and more. The overall sense and actual lyrics of Three Little Birds bring him comfort, however, as it’s proven again and again that “every little thing is gonna be alright.”
One can’t help but smile as Every Little Thing progresses. The book speaks to the subtle anxieties young children face as they go about their everyday and are faced with new experiences and challenges. This book presents examples of the boy shrugging off the rain, inviting a lonely boy to play with him and his friends, and receiving loving support from his parents in answer to his mistake and fears.
Books like this (based on familiar songs) also offer a special experience for pre-readers, in particular, who are not quite sounding out words but can memorize their favorite books and delight in “reading” them through.
Every Little Thing is a happy little book that deserves its spot on the top shelf.
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