One Busy Day: A Story for Brothers & Sisters

Mia, the newborn introduced in One Special Day (2012), is now a toddler, but older brother Spencer is too “busy” to play with her. She doesn’t wallow—instead, “Mia painted... a bold, bright picture. She danced... like a twirly, whirly ballerina. She explored... a deep, dark cave.” Meserve alternates between vignettes of Mia at play and elaborate imagined versions of each activity (mudpies in the garden are transformed into a kitchen overstuffed with baked goods). Readers will notice Spencer working his way into Mia’s fantasies, and before long the two are fighting dragons and sailing the high seas together. For jilted siblings, it’s an inviting reminder of their ability to make their own fun. Ages 3–5. Author’s agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio. (Mar.)