This lyrical address in the voice of Mother Africa to humans begins:

“I am the mother of all humanity.
I have a long history and a longer memory.
Most of all, I remember you,
My offspring of all colors
In all corners of the earth.
Let me remind you of our timeless bond.”

Mother Africa explains how all the earth and everything on it is connected. She asks:

“Child, keep me in your heart,
And, like a long-ago song whose lyrics
Are lost but whose melody lingers,
You will hear me whispering in a language
That belongs to no nation but to all humanity.”

Illustrator E.B. Lewis, collaborating again with Weatherford, filled the book with gorgeous light-filled watercolors that emphasize the African origins of life.

Back matter includes a note on evolution and a timeline of key species on Earth.

Evaluation: This book for ages 4-10 will satisfy readers who believe in the hegemony of human beings on Earth with its statement that “I love the lion, the zebra, the gazelle, and the impala, but you, child, are my pride.” ( )

You are my pride : A Love Letter from your Motherland is a delightful and poetic book with stunning illustrations. It is a letter from Mother Africa to her children from all around the world, whatever their skin color. This powerful picture book reminds readers of the beginning of Human Evolution millions of years ago. This book has everything : history, poetry, anthropology, even spirituality. I love how Carole Boston Weatherford and E.B.Lewis show the deep connection between Earth and Humanity and how we are all connected. Just beautiful ! ( )