C is for Country isn’t bad, but it isn’t that good either.
I say this as someone who has really enjoyed the work of the writer in the past, at least in other fields. Little Nas X did a cover of Dolly Parton’s classic “Jolene” that is really strong: smooth and haunting.
This 2021 picture book (written by Little Nas X and illustrated by Theodore Taylor III) is a solid alphabet book built around several themes. The alphabet expresses Little Nas X’s love for the country (and its animals, like Panini the Pony), but it also celebrates family and self-acceptance.
All good goals. Some of the letter pages are either nicely personal (F shows fringe, feathers, and fake fur, for example, and includes the comment “I love that for me!”) or nicely surprising (“J is for joy,” because riding Panini makes Lil Nas X so happy). Others, though, are more of a reach, like “U is for up,” because Lil Nas X likes looking up at the stars. The images are clear and colorful, but just illustrations: none have striking details, and they don’t add much to the words.
So, while I salute his “Jolene,” I suspect this book will appeal mainly to kids who already like horses and fans of Lil Nas X.
