LET'S HAVE A PARADE

Bright-eyed Lana’s big imagination draws her whole family into her play.

Despite the rain, Lana is determined to have a parade, but her parents and brothers are disinclined. Even her dog, Furry, is unenthusiastic when Lana suggests, “Let’s have a parade.” Undeterred, Lana decides to have an inside parade, complete with stuffed animals, a clown on skates, and a queen doll in a wagon as a float, lining them up in the hall. The page turn reveals Lana’s imagination at work as the figures come to full-sized life, led by Lana and her drum. Soon, Mama and Papa and Jay and Ray join the fun, playing their own instruments. Even Furry adds his woof. The simultaneously publishing sequel, Let’s Go Fishing, follows the same pattern, but this time with an imaginary fishing expedition. In both, full-color illustrations show a modern, confident little girl with her own sense of style, happy playing alone but with enthusiasm that is impossible to resist. Hers is a modern family, in which Papa helps with the meals and the brothers know how to serve themselves. Repeated words and phrases, including onomatopoeia, will help young readers build confidence as the story unfolds.

Emerging readers looking for a just-right book for reading fun will welcome this new series and its heroine.