Respect

by Otis Redding (song lyrics), Rachel Moss (Illustrator)

Otis Redding's classic song "Respect"--as popularized by Aretha Franklin--becomes an empowering picture book exploring the concept of mutual respect through the eyes of a young girl.

Respect is the latest from LyricPop, a children’s picture book collection by LyricVerse and Akashic Books.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T / Find out what it means to me
R-E-S-P-E-C-T / Take care, TCB
Oh (sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me)
A little respect

Respect is a children's picture book based on lyrics written and originally recorded by Otis Redding in 1965. Aretha Franklin's iconic rendition of the song later peaked at #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 in 1967. Redding's lyrics continue to resonate with listeners today.

With lyrics by Otis Redding and illustrations by Rachel Moss, this irresistible book shows a young girl, her brother, and her parents conjuring as many positive futures for each other as they can dream. Packed with playful vignettes as they imagine a life full of possibility, Respect provides families an opportunity to explore themes of mutual respect--while revisiting one of the greatest songs ever written.

Genres: Picture Books, Music, Childrens

24 pages, Hardcover

Published October 6, 2020

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the song but for me the book is meh. The song does not tell a story and neither does the book. The book/song does not really explain what respect means, but with the questions in the back it might launch an interesting discussion.

[J Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like many other reviewers, I think the song is a far more mature song than many chosen so far for this series. Where I differ from some of the others is in my opinion of the book. I treat the LyricPop series as books a parent (or a grandparent in my case) shares with a child, not simply gives to a child and then hope she understands. I think this book, and the song itself, opens some avenues to discuss what respect is and how some of the illustrations show situations where respect can sometimes not be expressed. In other words, by itself, this book likely would not mean much to small children. If that is what you buy books for, to babysit a child, then you might want to choose a different book in the series. If, however, you buy books like this to present opportunities to spend quality time with a child and help them learn about their world, this will be an excellent addition to your child's library. I would, however, suggest planning ahead of time how you want to frame the book. But that is a good idea for even the most self-explanatory books.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via Edelweiss.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The text of this book is simply the lyrics of the iconic song made famous by Aretha Franklin, but the illustrations are amazing. It's essentially a Black family going about their daily lives and also dreaming of what a world full of people respecting each other would be like. It was fun to sing the song in my head as I read, but the real power of this book is the images of people of color fulfilling endless possibilities with their lives and everyone in the illustrations treating each other with respect on every page. I definitely recommend this one!

Disclaimer: I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Lindsey Robinson]

This book was not at all what I was expecting. I did not like it at all, and maybe that is harsh, but it is my opinion. The words of the book are "lyrics" mimicking the tune of "Just a Little Bit" by 50 Cent. The words are confusing and there are no real teaching moments like I expected. In relation to the illustrations, there are multiple people of varying races depicted but they are passive and give no real insight to any of their cultures. There is not a plot line to follow and little teaching on what respect is and what it looks like.

[Villain E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oof. No. This song does not adapt itself to a picture book. The art is good. A bunch of people, mostly kids, mostly BIPoC, being awesome. Everyday awesome like being parents to aspirational awesome like being scientists. I could totally go for the art if they completely replaced the text. But, of course, the text is the selling point.

[Annamarie Carlson (she, her)]

A fun, picture-book adaptation of the song RESPECT, written and originally recorded by Otis Redding (and made even more famous by Aretha Franklin). Follow a young family dreaming of a future filled with amazing careers and opportunities.

[Lupe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is perfect for a read aloud, especially between children and parents/grandparents. There is no real plot, but the depictions along with the discussion questions could be meaningful, in the right setting.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with the other reviewers who note that the lyrics don't really adapt themselves well to a picture book. However, the illustrations are positive, affirming, and joyful and the book definitely exudes happy energy.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much better if you can sing along as you read.

Like the parallel illustrations on many pages showing adults in their occupations and the kids playing those occupations.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

The words to the song feel too “grown up” for a kids picture book. I like the idea and illustrations but it felt like it was trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.

[Ron Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Lyric Pop books. It's really all in the lyrics.

[Ashley Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

A picture book to accompany the lyrics of Otis Redding.

[Cat Fithian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much going on in each spread - so many words and pictures to get in! Still, this would be fun to sing with kids, and the picture book could assist.

[Amy K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard to read out loud since it is the original version and not the tune we all know. An intro would help set the scene.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice illustrations, but difficult as a read aloud text.

[Victoria B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The rating is more for the song than the actual story.