Every Little Thing: Based on the song ‘Three Little Birds’ by Bob Marley by Cedella Marley
Bob Marley’s songs are known the world over for their powerful message of love, peace, and harmony. Now a whole new generation can discover one of his most joyous songs in this reassuring picture book adaptation written by his daughter Cedella and exuberantly illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. This upbeat story reminds children that the sun will always come out after the rain and mistakes are easily forgiven with a hug. Every family will relate to this universal story of one boy who won’t let anything get him down, as long as he has the help of three very special little birds. Including all the lyrics of the original song plus new verses, this cheerful book will bring a smile to faces of all ages-because every little thing’s gonna be all right!
We absolutely love this book. Both my husband and myself are huge Bob Marley fans and so the girls know and love Bob Marley nearly as much as we do. When I first started reading this book I definitely saw Keira’s eyes light up in recognition. I really love the uplifting message of this book, of a little boy who doesn’t let anything get him down with the help of his family, friends and three little birds.
Although the illustrations feature kids of all reaces, I love that the main character is black as most of Keira’s children books feature a white main character. It’s important to me that she be exposed to both her Jamaican roots and her English roots so I just really appreciated that the author and illustrator went with that.
Speaking of the illustrations, they are really sweet and fun. Looking through the book you will come across a lot of fun Easter eggs like the black and white photo of Bob Marley playing soccer embedded in a drawing hung on the wall, the Rastafarian colours of the house numbers, music hidden in the backgrounds, and more.
This is a must have book full of hope, music and love. Definitely recommended for kids of all ages.
About the Author
Cedella Marley has dedicated herself to keeping her father’s message and memory alive, and performs with the Melody Makers internationally. She lives in Miami, Florida.
Bob Marley (1945 -1981) was a Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician, and remains the most widely known performer of reggae music. Time magazine chose Exodus, which includes Three Little Birds,” as the greatest album of the 20th century.
Vanessa Brantley-Newton is an author and illustrator. She lives in East Orange, New Jersey.
Win it:
One Canadian Frugal Mom Eh reader will win their own copy of Every Little Thing by Cedella Marley. Giveaway ends on March 15th at 11:59 pm EST. See Giveaway Tools for Entry and T&C.
Jamming would have to be my favourite.
i like ‘one love’
One Love is nice
Like the classic one Love. Thanks, for informing me about this
amazing and cute children’s book.
“No Woman No Cry”is one omy my favourites!
I think it might be his Redemption song.
Is This Love is my favourite 🙂
Bob Marley We be Jammin is now stuck in my head lol
Could you be loved, is my favorite Bob Marley song!
One Love is my fave!
Three Little Birds!
I love this! My favourite Bob Marley song is probably “Three Little Birds” or “No Woman No Cry.”
MyI have to say my favorite Bob Marley song is One Love !!
could be love
“Three Little Birds” is my favourite, I also hum it when I’m feeling down to cheer myself up.
Stir it up is my fav!
I like One Love by Bob Marley.
My favourite Bob Marley song is Is This Love.
This looks like such a fun little book been telling my sister about this she collects books
No woman no cry
No woman no cry! I love Bob Marley!!!
My favorite Bob Marley song is One Love
I don’t really have a favourite Bob Marley song. The book is beautiful, though!
To be honest I dont believe I have read any Bob Marley’s before,will check them out
I have used this twice in preschool storytime sessions at the library where I am employed. It definitely is a great storytime title. The last time I read it, I followed it with the Taj Mahal musical version of Three Little Birds on his album, “Songs for the Young at Heart” … http://wamu.org/programs/metro_connection/13/03/15/three_little_birds_bringing_bob_marley_to_the_theatrical_stage
I think it is wonderful that Cedella remembered her father and his work in this way. The book sounds so positive and uplifting for all children. I notice that Bob Marley died quite young – yet left such a legacy.
Thank you for telling us about this book. I shall be on the lookout for it.
Sounds like it is a great book, love that it includes the lyrics as part of the book.
The book sounds adorable. I think the concept of incorporating the music with the main character was a great idea.
My 10 year old tells me all the time she loves Bob Marley… I find that very interesting. This sounds like a great book!
Love Bob Marley and this sounds fantastic.
This looks like a fun, colourful, entertaining book.
I had no idea that Bob Marley’s daughter wrote a book. I am going to go check this out as my sister is a huge Bob Martey fan,
This sounds like a very nice book for the kids
This sounds like a cute and fun book that all children would love and their parents would love the subliminal message!
That sounds like a really sweet book. My little guy would love it.
This looks like such a fun little book that my son and I would both enjoy!