Everybelly

In observational prose, a young narrator portrayed with brown skin introduces readers to local pool-goers—all pictured by Lam (One Giant Leap) via a child’s-eye view. Crisp cut-paper collages portray “everybelly” from the protagonist’s perspective, largely showcasing chests, tummies, thighs, and feet. “This is my mama. I used to live here until I grew too big,” the youth begins, poking an adult in the abdomen. In addition to anecdotes about and perceptions of the community members (referencing an individual drumming on their own torso, “Vibhuti’s in a band. They know how to keep a beat!”), the narrator reflects on what bellies can do (“stretch bigger... make great tables”). And a view of pigeons snacking poolside accompanies musing about the child’s own stomach: “When my belly is full, it’s nice and round. But an empty belly goes flat. Mama works hard to keep our bellies full.” Declarative sentences and memorable character designs that reflect diversity of ability, age, body type, gender expression, and skin tone distinguish this loving, wide-ranging tribute to the beauty, variety, and power of individual bodies—and bellies. Ages 3–6. (Apr.)