Best Books Summer 2018 from Publishers Weekly Publishers Weekly

Drawn Together

Minh Lê, illus. by Dan Santat (Disney-Hyperion)

In this tender multigenerational story, a boy and his grandfather don’t speak the same language, but learn to communicate through their mutual love for telling visual stories through art.

Buy this book

Julián Is a Mermaid

Jessica Love (Candlewick)

When a child named Julián becomes enchanted by a group of mermaids en route to the Coney Island Mermaid Parade, he fashions his own fishtail from his grandmother’s curtains and the two join the revelers. Author-illustrator Love’s debut is a joyful celebration of free expression.

Buy this book

Night Out

Daniel Miyares (Random/Schwartz & Wade)

In a story reminiscent of a fairy tale, a lonely boy at a boarding school follows his escaped pet turtle—who has grown big—on a nighttime adventure. They arrive at an inviting celebration with friendly animals, music, and cake, and the boy treasures the special experience as he slips back into his school at dawn.

Buy this book

Ocean Meets Sky

The Fan Brothers (Simon & Schuster)

The creators of The Night Gardener and The Antlered Ship return with another fantastical picture book outing, in which a boy takes a journey on a makeshift vessel to a fabled land of magical beings to honor the memory of his beloved grandfather.

Buy this book

Square

Mac Barnett, illus. by Jon Klassen (Candlewick)

In the second volume of Barnett and Klassen’s Shape trilogy, Square spends his time pushing stone blocks onto a hill. Circle is convinced that Square is a brilliant artist and asks Square to sculpt her, but such high expectations send Square into a fit of self-doubt. Is Square an artist or is Circle mistaken? It’s up to readers to decide, in this gently philosophical story.

Buy this book

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates

Ryan T. Higgins (Disney-Hyperion)

Penelope is a cute T. rex with an enormous appetite. On the first day of school, she gobbles up—then spits out—her human classmates. Being nibbled on by a goldfish provides Penelope with a whole new perspective; Higgins warmly suggests that school is an adjustment for all kids—and that a little empathy can go a long way when it comes to making friends.

Buy this book