This Story Is for You

Pizzoli’s ode to friendship stars a light-skinned boy and a dark-skinned girl with the same wide eyes, button noses, and big smiles. The words are the boy’s, spoken to the girl, but read aloud, they become the reader’s to the listener: “You’re the only one in the world with your eyes... your nose, your fingers, and your smile.” The two friends play together, sometimes on a theatrical stage with a tail-wagging dog, and at other moments in imaginary landscapes. What if friends are parted? The girl sails off to a new place. “You will meet some people and animals, too—But you’ll be the only one just like you.” The boy builds a boat and sets out to find her. Most of the spreads feature flat cutout shapes, but as the boy sails toward her, the neon-orange rising sun illuminates his face in a dramatic moment. The soothing, incantatory words repeat sentiments that are not new, but messages about unconditional love bear repeating, especially at the end of a long day. Ages 3–5. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Apr.)