Mama, Is It Summer Yet?

by Nikki McClure

Overview

In New York Times bestselling artist Nikki McClure’s charming board book, one little boy can’t wait for summer to arrive.

The boy keeps asking, “Mama, is it summer yet?” Mama responds saying, “Not yet,” but there are plenty of signs that indicate spring is changing into summer: The earth is soft and there are seeds to plant, birds singing, ducklings in the pond, and pink blossoms blooming. The young boy even wears his bathing suit and carries a beach pail in preparation, but will it ever be summer?

The text is a wonderful celebration of the change of seasons and showcases Nikki McClure’s images of nature and the joys of family and community.

“Striking cut-paper artwork balances beautifully with McClure’s gentle, almost old-fashioned text . . . This thoroughly pleasing board book offers young readers an opportunity to absorb themselves in the simple, hopeful gifts of the seasons.” —Shelf Awareness

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781419728280
Publisher:	Abrams Appleseed
Publication date:	04/03/2018
Pages:	30
Sales rank:	672,197
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 7.30(h) x 0.60(d)
Lexile:	AD330L (what's this?)
Age Range:	3 Months to 3 Years

About the Author

Nikki McClure is a self-taught artist who has been making paper-cuts since 1996. She is the author and illustrator of many picture books, including To Market, To Market, In, and How to Be a Cat.

Editorial Reviews

"The text is a wonderful celebration of the change of seasons and showcases Nikki's elegant images of nature and the joys of family and community."

Midwest Book Review

"Striking cut-paper artwork balances beautifully with McClure's gentle, almost old-fashioned text . . . This thoroughly pleasing board book offers young readers an opportunity to absorb themselves in the simple, hopeful gifts of the seasons."

ShelfAwareness

"Striking cut-paper artwork balances beautifully with McClure's gentle, almost old-fashioned text . . . This thoroughly pleasing board book offers young readers an opportunity to absorb themselves in the simple, hopeful gifts of the seasons."—ShelfAwareness

"The text is a wonderful celebration of the change of seasons and showcases Nikki's elegant images of nature and the joys of family and community."—Midwest Book Review

From the Publisher

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)

Publishers Weekly

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

School Library Journal

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. This gentle 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)

Kirkus Reviews