A Very Good Parade by Eleanor Davis (Harry N. Abrams, 48 pages, ages 4-8). When Gabby decides it’s time for a parade, she is unstoppable. Miguel has his dad’s big horn, but he doesn’t know how to make it work. “That horn is so good you don’t even have to play it,” Gabby tells him. Hugo can sing every part of “Stayin’ Alive,” so he’s in. Mavis and Isabel have snack time scheduled, but Gabby feeds them string cheese, and they decide to be parade acrobats. The only ones not allowed in are some big kids who are bullying a little kid–but the little kid gets to join. At last, Gabby tells them it’s time to perform, and at this perfect moment, Miguel figures out how to make his dad’s horn work. The adults go wild, cheering and clapping! Then Gabby’s grandma calls her home for dinner, the crowd disperses, and Gabby goes inside where she declares, “It was the best parade in the history of the whole entire universe.”

Gabby is clearly a person who gets the job done, and readers will love the techniques she employs to bring out the best in everyone, and to shut down those who don’t play by the rules. The illustrations portray a diverse and multi-talented group that truly celebrates community.

Here Come the Aunties! by Cyntia Leitich Smith, illustrated by Aphelandra (Heartdrum, 32 pages, ages 4-8). River introduces all the aunties who are part of his life as he goes through a year. Auntie Vicki is his second-grade teacher, and Auntie Betty drives him and his friends from around the rez to school. Auntie Patrice teaches him to bead at the powwow, and Auntie Emma comes to his class to teach the kids about Indigenous history. Auntie Wendy makes a crib quilt for a Christmas gift, and all the aunties come over when the new baby is born the following summer. Includes an author’s note with additional information about aunties in Indigenous communities and the Muscogee Nation that River is part of.

Here’s a great choice to celebrate Indigenous communities, with a wide variety of aunties who each contribute their own special talents to help River and his family throughout the year.