Saturday with Daddy

A cheerful blue elephant and his father—they look as though they are made out of chunky, glossy plastic—spend a special Saturday together. The child carefully and excitedly documents each activity: “We buy marshmallows and hot dogs and a great big bag of charcoal. We’re going to have a cookout!” After assembling the grill and cooking lunch, marshmallow roasting and a game of Frisbee follow (“I try to catch it but mostly I miss”), and then it’s naptime in a nearby hammock. Working in oil and painting in a bright, summery palette, Andreasen makes the two elephant characters the focus of every scene, emphasizing the significance of creating childhood memories with a loved one—even if it’s as simple as planning a special meal. Ages 3–7. Agent: Shannon Associates. (May)