We Move the World: An Inspiring Picture Book About How First Steps Lead to Breaking Barriers for Kids

by Kari Lavelle, Nabi H. Ali (Illustrator)

From debut author Kari Lavelle and rising star illustrator Nabi H. Ali comes an inspiring and empowering picture book about the small things kids do that have the potential to change the world!

Meet some of the world’s most beloved movers, shakers, scientists, activists, dreamers and doers—in this inspirational book by debut author Kari Lavelle, who gently reminds us that before folks like Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Neil Armstrong, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Sylvia Earle were activists and trailblazers, they spoke their first words, took their first steps, and dreamed about the future.

We Move the World introduces these folks and more from the past and present as models for what every childhood first can lead to. From first steps to solving puzzles and learning the alphabet, all the small things are only the beginning. They can lead to future activism and innovation that just might change the world!

With Nabi H. Ali’s vibrant illustrations, which introduce memorable moments from history, We Move the World is a picture book that gives the youngest movers and shakers a chance to see how much is possible just because of the things they already do. The book includes robust backmatter that gives further context on each figure and historical moment, including the most recent COVID-19 pandemic.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Childrens, Social Justice, History, Parenting

40 pages, Hardcover

First published May 4, 2021

About the author

Kari Lavelle is the author of WE MOVE THE WORLD (HarperCollins 2021), BUTT OR FACE (Sourcebooks, 2023) and AN ODE TO GRAPEFRUIT: HOW JAMES EARL JONES FOUND HIS VOICE (Knopf 2024). She has always had a love for words: as a kid reading books, as a speech pathologist helping children communicate, and now as a writer creating stories. She grew up in the Midwest but now lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, their two children, and doggo, Dobby. Learn more about Kari and her books at karilavelle.com.

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way this book combines a narrative structure that speaks to kids right where they are with a non-fiction element showing them the vast possibilities of what they might become. Kids will be able to see themselves on the pages, playing at a playground, gathering seashells at the ocean, and dream of the ways they might make a difference in the future. It's a cleverly written book with beautiful illustrations that lets our kids know they matter.

[Becky Scharnhorst · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the things I loved most about this book is how accessible it is to all ages. Everyone who reads this, from the youngest child to the oldest adult, will gain something from the experience. Kari brilliantly connects children’s actions, such as first steps, planting flowers, or sharing with a friend, to the actions of change makers all over the world. There is just enough text on each page to give a brief introduction to the featured individual, which keeps the pace moving forward and the littlest listeners engaged. For those who want to know more, there is extensive back matter included. The illustrations are beautiful and vivid, and the language is lovely and lyrical. I learned so much from the book, and I know others will too. I highly recommend it!

[Karla Valenti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kari Lavelle has written a gorgeous book that not only celebrates some important accomplishments, but makes them relevant to young readers, inspiring children to become movers and shakers themselves. Each page starts with a seemingly small thing (learning to speak, learning to walk, building, jumping, singing) but then show how these actions can actually have big impacts on the world and those with whom we share it. Nabi H Ali's illustrations are lively and engaging, a perfect companion to Kari's text. The book includes back matter providing additional details about each event referenced in the story. A great addition to any home or school bookshelf!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, kid-friendly concept book that draws parallels between milestones in child development (first steps and first words) and firsts in human history like Neil Armstrong's walk on the moon, as well as inspirational people like Mari Copeny, an 8-year-old who wrote to President Obama about the Flint water crisis. I enjoyed the mix of events and people I knew about (Misty Copeland, the AID Memorial Quilt) with new-to-me people and events (like Sylvia Earle and Oksana Masters). It pairs simple text with colorful illustrations bursting with action. A very timely and uplifting book.

NOTE: I received a digital ARC via Edelweiss.

[Debbie Zapata · Rating 5 out of 5]

WE MOVE THE WORLD written by Kari Lavelle and illustrated by Nabi H. Ali is a book I will gift for all occasions to recipients of all ages. It is a story for the dreamer, believer and the advocate in all of us. It reminds us that our shared humanity is the foundation of each of our stories. And it is the brave, individual steps that help move the world to be more inclusive. The lyrical text is moving and the beautiful illustrations are breathtaking. The book includes back matter that brings depth to the topics referenced in the story. I highly recommend this book for home, classroom and library bookshelves for readers of all ages.

[Jenna Waldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was filled with joy after reading Lavelle's book, illustrated by the very talented Nabi H. Ali! The text and art show the creativity and tenacity of young children and the world's heroes. Not only does We Move the World inspire young children, but also educates them about significant events and people of history, and of today. Honestly, it taught me a lot too! There were names I didn't know, and I always love when children are not the only ones learning when they read with their adults. Fantastic back matter gives even more information to curious readers. Well done, Lavelle and Ali!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Move the World is such an important book! Kari Lavelle contrasts the childhoods of famous activists and their adult accomplishments in each spread and, in doing so, inspires future activists to reach for the stars and change the world in positive ways in the future. A must read for children of all ages and especially important for parents and school libraries. Every child can move the world! Lovely, lovely book with brilliant, bright illustrations in cheerful swashes of color from gifted illustrator Nabi H Ali.

[Laura Gehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This inspirational book takes small actions a child can realistically do...building with blocks, sharing with friends...and relates them to adult role models who have changed the world in many positive ways. The message that all of us, no matter how small, can change the world rings through clearly, beautiful illustrations complement the spare text, and back matter includes additional information and a timeline.

[Ryan Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful debut by Kari Lavelle with memorable illustration by Nabi Ali. For kids and adults alike, We Move the World has a fun mix of familiar and not-so-familiar figures from recent history who have created outsized positive impact in the world because of their actions. This is a book that will become worn with read after read. Every child will see something of her- or himself in Ali's characters and find inspiration and wonder in Lavelle's words.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just beautiful. My seven-year-old read it himself and declared it a "great book," and my two-year-old was equally smitten when I read it to him. The perfect message of joy and hope we need right now.

[Ned Lavelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific book and a great message for our youth. Beautifully illustrated. Full disclosure I was provided life long companionship in exchange for an honest review. It’s an amazing book and a good stepping off point to have conversations with your kiddos.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

From first words and first steps to movers and shakers of today and tomorrow, WE MOVE THE WORLD is a guide for young readers to not only learn from past historical moments in life but to be inspired to create their own moments to make a difference in the world. Told in alternating text, this book is for the simplest reader to engaging older readers with real life events that illustrate how people who've come before them have responded to making a positive difference in the world. "We plant flowers. We sow the seeds for change. Wangari Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977, an organization that planted thirty million trees." It's a book to show young readers how they're early beginnings, first steps, first words, first pictures, first movements can lead to so many possibilities in their future. The possibilities are endless for our rising stars of tomorrow. And the fun text engages young readers where they are today!

[DeeDee Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the colorful images and all the information in this book! The author has skillfully woven children's activities with memorable moments in history. We Move the World has so many interesting (and sometimes little-known) facts that inform the reader. We thoroughly enjoyed this book!

[Jilanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting and inspiring, with lyrical language and informational text, We Move the World focuses on how the individual, alone or working as a group, can take action in many ways to achieve personal goals and/or help, heal, and inspire others throughout the world. The main text includes two layers, one describing an action in general and one providing a brief example of an individual or group taking that action. Back matter provides greater details about each of the specific activists, heroes, or group actions taken at different times in history in the main text, and includes a historical timeline ranging from 1886 to 2020. Great source to foster discussion about how individuals can make a difference.

[Charlotte Offsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness I love this book. As soon as I saw the cover I knew I had to review it but if you haven't gotten your hands on a copy yet, hit that order button now! This brand new picture book is inspiring, empowering, and beautiful. Each page features a young child taking the first steps toward becoming an adult earth mover. A child using their voice parallels Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor, taking first steps leads to astronauts Aldrin and Armstrong etc. This is a beautiful book to show children how powerful their actions can become, how full of possibilities is the path ahead, and to introduce them to some of our most beloved earthmovers. I highly recommend this book!⁠

[Jessica Kulekjian · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book with delightful art and a unique story structure. The affirming main text connects directly to readers in the present, inviting them to see themselves as a change maker, like heroes from the past. Nonfiction sidebars and back matter extend the reading experience with opportunities to learn more about people and events that moved our world forward, showing how small actions can make big impacts. A truly uplifting read!

[Lindsay Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Move the World is, well, moving. This dual-narrative picture book connects directly with the young reader -- how they move and experience the world -- and then ties each movement with something happening in the world beyond a child's front door. Highly HIGHLY recommend. A great book to encourage social justice awareness and participation.

[Julie Rowan-Zoch]

We Move the World connects the lives of children in a myriad of ways with the efforts of important civic figures who have come before them to help build a better world - and drives home the sentiment that every "move" counts! The beautiful illustrations are heartfelt with a warm, glowing undertone.

[Robyn McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect book for any child! Kari's text highlights a child's ability to move the world compared to a well known adult. This book is a jumping off point for many discussions about the small steps they can take to make a BIG difference. Paired with beautiful illustrations WE MOVE THE WORLD is sure to be a classic!

[Anne Wynter · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Move the World shares everyday ways in which kids play, with each scene paired with the story of an influential figure and how they made an impact on the world. Some of the figures included in the book were familiar to my kids - but there were many they hadn't heard of before, like Oksana Masters and Sylvia Earle. And I love that this book includes the COVID 19 healthcare workers! This is truly a beautiful and inspiring book. And not just for my kids - for me too!

[Lisa Katzenberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great concept for a picture book to teach young readers about the impact they can have on the world by sharing examples of inspiring individuals. The main text speaks directly to readers about what they can achieve, while facts about others’ amazing achievements are sprinkled through. A very inspirational read with beautiful illustrations!

[Alissa Tsaparikos · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the illustrations and the concept of this story. The transitions from generalized concepts to historical context sometimes didn't gel as well as hoped, and made for a jarring read. Overall though, a nice brief account of historical achievements for the very young. Back matter includes more on the figures and historical timeline of what was mentioned.

[Amanda Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the way this book presented to children that even great people like Martin Luther King JR started out as an infant learning to walk and talk before going on to make history. So many great historical moments often overlooked are made examples here. This is a valuable teaching tool with great back matter and my favorite: a bibliography.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kari is a former co-worker of mine, and a lovely person. This is a delightful book and is going on my "baby gift" list.

[Nelly Buchet · Rating 5 out of 5]

WE MOVE THE WORLD shows kids how learning to walk can one day lead to walking on the moon. By pairing landmarks in a child’s life, like sharing a toy, with landmarks in history, like healthcare workers dedicating themselves to caring for coronavirus patients, the book empowers children to pursue their dreams in the context of community.

[Candy Wellins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book about how small actions can lead to big changes. The book includes profiles of many famous people and shows how their big deeds started with small steps. This inspiring story will encourage readers to make their mark in the world.

[Meghan Browne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so grateful for this book, which pairs actions of children with the history-altering work of change makers throughout the world. The back matter is thorough, and offers a perfect jumping-off-point for older readers to research historical figures and events in greater detail. Lavelle's words and Ali's art pair beautifully together for a book that satisfies readers across age groups and developmental stages.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book is an inspiring celebration of individual achievement and the power of inclusivity. Lavelle's text brilliantly aligns how the things we do every day have been the beginning steps of many change-making moments in history by some of our most admired activists and advocates. The back matter is wonderfully done to provide children with more context of the significance of their achievements. All of this is beautifully presented through Nabi H. Ali's rich and vibrant illustrations that make you want to return to this book again and again.

A beautiful collaboration that inspires children to see the change-making potential in themselves. A must-read for sure.

[Amanda Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both children and adults will leave the pages of this book feeling inspired to go out there and follow your dreams/make a difference in the world. The text is a perfect mix of lyrical language paired with significant real-life events from our country’s history. It’s a reminder to children that they have the power and capability to do whatever they put their mind to-that they can leave their lasting mark on the world and make it a better place. The vibrant and bright illustrations showcase the beautiful diversity and colors of our country and of our world. Extensive back matter expands on the text and makes this a great option for classrooms and libraries as well!

[Tootie Nienow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The unique format of this book instantly pulled me in. The story is so engaging. The spare text will make a great read aloud for librarians and teachers and children who fall asleep fast. I especially love the page where the child plays at the seashore with a glimpse of where she might be as an adult. Kids can imagine the endless possibilities of where their lives may take them. The illustrations have a quiet movement to them which is soothing and lovely. I can't wait to buy this book.