The River Is My Ocean

While their abuela longs for the sea, a child narrator expresses love for the Hudson River—“the most beautiful river in the entire world”—in this intergenerational story with diasporic themes. Every Saturday, the Afro-Caribbean-cued duo merrily walk to the river to thank Yamaya, the mother of oceans and rivers, who’s portrayed as a mermaid. By the water’s edge, the child ruminates via contemplative prose from Cortez (The ABCs of Black History), “When I look at the Hudson, sometimes I feel quiet. Other times, I feel curious about all kinds of things. Or happy.” Scribbly digital illustrations in fresh hues by Corrin (Layla’s Happiness) convey the joy of the weekly ritual, while block lettering occasionally emphasizes phrases rendered in English and Spanish. En route home, a tender hug between the child and Abuela rounds out this gratitude-focused story. Background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. An author’s note concludes. Publishing simultaneously in English and Spanish. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Wendi Gu, Sanford J. Greenburger Assoc. Illustrator’s agent: Nicole Geiger, Full Circle Literary. (Aug.)