Published by Roaring Brook Press

Summary:  A family of four sets off for a picnic in the park one summer day.  The red, white, and blue napkins and paper plates, as well as the fireworks at the end indicate it may be the Fourth of July.  The story is mostly told in the illustrations, while the text is a meditation on sharing: “A book is for sharing/A ball is nice for sharing, too/And a tree? A tree is always shared…even when you think you’re alone.”  What can be shared can be as abstract as time or as concrete as a towel, warmed by the sun.  The book comes full circle with the final lines: “Many can share one light./And a blanket? A breeze? The sky? These are for sharing./Just like pie.”  32 pages; ages 3-8.

Pros:  This book really grew on me; both the text and the illustrations are deceptively simple.  My favorite page shows eight smiling kids (and their dog) of different races, genders, and sizes standing around a sparkler that says, “Many can share one light.”  A perfect book for sharing on the Fourth of July or any summer day.

Cons:  The sad picture of the littlest girl looking for a piece of pie and finding only an empty tin.