Yaya and the Sea

A Black mother and narrating child head to the sea on the first day of spring in this stirring New York City–set work from debut author Good Marable and Engel. As the two get ready, Mommy urges the child to “pick the shiniest dimes” for making wishes. Stepping onto the A train at 125th Street, the two meet up with a group of Mommy’s friends, who laugh and chat until the group disembarks at the water—and pays homage to Mama Ocean in a seasonal ritual that involves letting go of the past and embracing the future. In a palette of lively mixed blues, oranges, and yellows, acrylic and oil spreads dreamily portray the early morning city atmosphere, the train ride, and gifts the individuals offer to Mama Ocean (“a jar of molasses, sticky and sweet.... a bouquet of flowers.... slices of watermelon.... seven shiny dimes”). It’s a commanding portrait of a child paying witness to modeled tradition, capped off by an author’s note that contextualizes the event. Ages 4–8. (Mar.)