"And in the thirsty afternoon,
we watch the knife slice
the great green watermelon
into shining red wedges.
Chins drip sweet drops
plip
plop
plip"
Oh, those brilliant hot-pink endpapers promise much for the upcoming story! The title page introduces two still-sleepy children looking excitedly out their apartment window. First up is breakfast, prepared by their grandmother and eaten before they venture outside to the steamy heat of the day. By noon, they are so hot they make a refreshing run through the cool of an opened fire hydrant. Exactly the cure for their too-warm bodies.
Their task for their grandmother has them heading toward a nearby bodega. First, a walk past the park's fountain and a quick stop to drop coins into the street musician's hat, before the sweet taste of cool watermelon and a chance to dance to a 'hot' salsa beat. As the sun sets, they return with their supplies and watch Grandma cook dinner.
It's a very fine night that calls them up to their building's rooftop ...
" up
up
up
to the silver tar rooftop
still soft from the day's sun,
and we wait
for the first
POP!"
If you have not experienced the beauty and wonder of fireworks, be prepared. It happens that you don't have to be there to really feel the magic. Matthew Burgess creates pictures with his carefully-chosen, sensational text to put readers right in the midst of a day full of joy that ends in the most wonderful celebration. Right by his side, Catia Chien's mixed-media images place the children in the blaze of summer heat, the cooling-down of evening, and the spectacular show that fireworks present. Their day has ended; the memories live on.
What a remarkable book! You need this one ...
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