A Winter Walk in the City

December 11, 2020

Toddler-PreS-A Black boy clad in a blue snowsuit strolls through a cheery, snow-covered cityscape. On his walk, he spies markers for a variety of winter holidays. The boy spots one menorah (for Hanukkah), two bells on a tree (for Christmas), and three cards in the window (for Mawlid). Other celebrations highlighted in this counting book include Kwanzaa and the Lunar New Year. Instead of holidays, some spreads depict general winter scenes, such as adorable dogs wearing sweaters or snowflake decorations. The pages reflect the diversity of urban life; people of all shades are present throughout, and the young boy passes apartment buildings, skylines, and food carts in his wanderings. The rainbow-tinged collage work is lovely and adds an extra layer of joy that little ones and their grown-ups will pore over. The board book concludes with 10 people sharing and munching on empanadas-a celebration of community. VERDICT With multiple nods to the work of Ezra Jack Keats, this charming holiday-themed counting book is a good choice for displays and programming, especially where non-Christmas choices are in need.-Shelley M. Diaz, School Library Journal

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.