Mama, Is It Summer Yet?

Here we are on the cusp of summer and nothing will put you in the mood for all of it's sunshine-y goodness quicker than Mama, Is It Summer Yet? This first literary offering from Nikki McClure, although she also illustrated All in a Day by Cynthia Rylant, is a delight for both the ears and eyes with it's rhythmic text and gorgeous illustrations.

The premise for the book is the answer to a boy's question, "Mama, is it summer yet?" His mother patiently answers on each page showing him the winter changing into spring and the spring into summer through the nature around them.

The intricate details of the paper cut illustrations are amazing. Each scene is created from a single sheet of black construction paper. Yet the blooming trees, the swooping birds, the sprouting seedlings are captured with vibrant precision.

With the strawberries ripe for the picking, mama assures her son that summer has finally arrived.

And when summer finally does appear, your toddler to preschool-aged child will be begging to read through the mesmerizing book again.