Review by Booklist Review
McClure, who did such a fine job of illustrating Cynthia Rylant's All in a Day (2009), a Booklist Editors' Choice title, presents another handsome, if somewhat similar, piece of bookmaking. Once again McClure uses her signature cut-paper art to bring the particulars of a child's world close. Here that child is a boy, who asks, Mama, is it summer yet? This refrain appears on pure-colored pages that face seasonal scenes: at first, bare trees, then the first show of buds, then the planting of a garden. Mama's answers always carry the hope of what's to come: Not yet, my little one. But the swallows are singing. Soon warmer winds will blow. Finally, it is, Yes! . . . The honeybees are in the flowers. . . . The berries are juicy and sweet. Two wonderful spreads show mother and son finally enjoying what they've long awaited. The language can be formal, but the artwork is captivating, capturing both the subtle seasonal changes as well as the love and shared joy between mother and son. Just when you wonder if summer will ever come, read this and make your heart happy.--Cooper, Ilene Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In a world of full-color picture books, black and white illustrations have to work a little harder to get noticed. Yet as in her previous book, Cynthia Rylant's All in a Day, McClure's cut-paper scenes do more than just support the story; they form its heart. In contrast to the sweet domesticity of the writing ("Mama, is it summer yet? Not yet, my little one. But the buds are swelling. Soon new leaves will unfold"), the bold outlines of the images convey strength. The substantial yet delicate lines that outline the figures and objects possess a visual rhythm, creating forms that repeat or echo (a ball of twine recalls a tree branch, swallows' heavily stylized tails mimic ripples in a pond). Set against pale yellow and accented with other cheery colors, idyllic scenes unfold as summer approaches: mother and son gather sticks for a shelter (while a squirrel steals their twine), craft a wind sock, and put on rubber boots and go canoeing. When summer finally comes, readers will rejoice with the boy. McClure's deceptively simple work carries unexpected visual force and real pleasure. Ages 4-up. (May) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-K-Repetition of this book's title question ties together responses and scenes of a child and his mother as they wait for warmer weather. It's a long winter, but small signs of the coming seasons are there each day. The days pass with a graceful swirl as the most delicate of paper-cuts detail budding trees, squirrels nesting, soft earth for seedlings, young ducklings following their mother, swallows circling overhead, and blossoming trees, culminating in the anticipated delight of summer berries. "My little one, it is summer now!" Simple black paper contrasts with a light, neutral background, highlighting spare use of digitally added color accents; solid-color sheets underscore the repeated text. While appreciation of the magnificent complexity of these paper-cuts might be lost on the youngest of readers, children will appreciate the simple sentences and lyrical verse that relate the seasonal passing of time. A lovely, artistic addition.-Mary Elam, Learning Media Services Plano ISD, TX (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
A little boy, waiting for summer, repeatedly asks his mother if the season has arrived. "Not yet" is her constant reply, followed by a description of a sign of summer's imminence. Handsome cut-paper images, complemented on each spread by a single color, illustrate her responses as the blossoming spring leads to summer. The simple, patterned tale progresses as naturally as one season does to another. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A boy asks again and again, "Is it summer yet?" Rather than giving him a simple "No," his mother points to encouraging changes that signify summer's imminent arrival: the earth softening, buds appearing, apple blossoms blooming. McClure's intricate cut-paper illustrations compel rapt readers to examine the artwork thoroughly, looking for tiny signs of seasonal shifts in a woodsy world of seeds, squirrels, swallows and ducks. Black-and-white reliefs capture tender mother-son outdoor activities and offer isolated instances of color (pink petals, yellow duck bills) that quicken readers' eyes, alerting them to progress. Still the boy wonders, "Is it summer yet?" Mama always replies, "Not yet, my love," and softens his disappointment by reasserting her constant affection. This repeated exchange occurs throughout, allowing readers to fully appreciate both the boy's prolonged, wistful yearning and the mother's unflagging love. Thisgentle call and response between child and parent will lull young listeners and remind them of their own connections to caregivers. When summer finally explodes, bringing juicy berries and abundant sunshine, mother and boy luxuriate in a baby pool, glad to have made the journey together. (Picture book. 2-6) ]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
