Published by Candlewick

Summary:  The sights, smells, and sounds of summer vacation are celebrated, starting with the cookie crumbs and eraser bits cleaned out of a cubby and end-of-year hugs given on the last day of school.  Then it’s time to enjoy the Fourth of July with a parade down Main Street and fireworks at night.  Small pleasures are savored, like the ice cream truck, evening games of hide-and-seek, and lemonade stands.  When the weather gets too hot, it’s time to head out to the lake for some swimming and camping.  The family snuggles down in the tent on the last page, planning the next day’s adventure.  32 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros:  The brilliant acrylic paintings and cute kids will draw readers in to this happy celebration of a favorite time of year.

Cons:  Many readers will have a very different experience of summer than the idyllic, lazy-days-at-home one pictured here.