SUMMER IS HERE by Renée Watson gets a starred SLJ review

Celebrate the endless joys and traditions of summer in this uplifting and jubilant ode to the season. An unnamed Black protagonist welcomes the perfect summer day from the moment she wakes up to the sun streaming through her windows, followed by a meal of delicious fresh fruit enjoyed alongside her family. The young girl then dives into a sparkling pool with friends and enjoys a round of double Dutch before concluding with a spectacular community picnic and a wish for summer to stay forever. Watson personifies summer throughout the charming story, noting that the season, “brings me a feast of fresh fruit,” “brings me and my friends to the pool,” and, “sings me a song, serenading me from the ice-cream truck.” Jackson’s bright, digital illustrations capture the loving relationship the protagonist shares with her friends, family, and community along with the bliss and elation of a cloudless summer day. 

VERDICT: The stunning combination of Watson’s poetic text with Jackson’s delightful illustrations make this an ideal selection for both group read-alouds and one-on-one sharing. Highly recommended for purchase for all collections. – Olivia Gorecke