Parents' Guide to

Queen of the Scene

By Patricia Tauzer, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 3+

Latifah's playful rap encourages confidence.

Book Queen Latifah Picture Book 2006
Queen of the Scene Poster Image

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What's the Story?

A young, athletic African-American girl struts her stuff on the playground. She can swing a hula-hoop, twirl a basketball, and win at hop-scotch, foot races, stick ball, basketball, and any sport you can name. She has it all because she has heart, even when the going gets tough.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (2 ):

Frank Morrison’s stunning, exuberant illustrations reflect his break-dancing past, and they shout rapper/actor Queen Latifah’s positive message across each page. Besides being good at everything, the big-striding, arm-swinging "queen of the scene" stands up for the other kids, especially girls, and challenges them to "take pride" and find the queen in themselves. The long-legged, flowing girl-queen is drawn in a style similar to the characters Morrison created in Jazzy Miz Mozetta, for which he won the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent.

The rhythm and rhyme unfortunately don't flow as well as the illustrations and seem a bit jagged at times. But included with the book is a CD on which Queen Latifah reads the story in the intended rap-style, with an accompanying background beat. Her own queenly style and strength underscore the message that we all can "be the best" if we believe in ourselves.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the "queen of the scene." What makes her so strong? Do you think she sets a good example? Could you be like her?

  • Can you remember times you felt so confident that you were the queen (or king) of the scene?

Book Details

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