Mama, Is It Summer Yet?

April 5, 2010
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.

April 1, 2010
PreS-KRepetition 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"

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2010
Preschool-K McClure, who did such a fine job of illustrating Cynthia Rylants 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 childs 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. Mamas answers always carry the hope of whats 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 sonfinallyenjoying what theyve 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.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)