SUMMER JACKSON: GROWN UP

When 7-year-old Summer Jackson decides she wants to be a grown-up right now, she means it.

Sporting high heels, blazer and a briefcase, she sets off for school, intent on being the consultant she imagines herself to be. When Mama and Daddy slyly agree with their headstrong daughter, Summer finds out that being a grown-up is a little different than she imagined. It’s not all phone calls, meetings and bossing everyone around. There are dishes to do, Summer! Warm pinks and violets, outlined in black ink, reflect every emotion of this little wannabe adult. Her cocked eyebrows and curly ponytail let readers know that she means business. Her parents stick to the background, but clearly love their little girl and are bemused by her antics. When Summer’s parents climb into her bed when they are scared or play on her swings, readers will laugh along with Summer at her predicament. African-American girls are rarely depicted in picture books, so it’s nice to see such a beautiful, confident little girl with her caring parents.  

With a little bit of sparkle and a whole lot of sass, Summer will be right at home with any young girl eager to enter the work world. (Picture Book. 5-9)