Shaina Cade's Reviews > Rules of Summer

One of the most surreal and utterly beautiful picture books I've ever read. And it just sucks you in like the best summers do. So much lush texture in each painting, you just want to fall into them. This might not be a picture book for small children - depends on the child - but for older elementary kids, for adults, for kids at heart, the artwork in this book is entrancing. Two brothers are caught up in the malaise and adventure and rules and fantastical freedom of summer. And there's a story beneath all of the eerie nevers // that your sibling/friend will be there for you, even after the spats, the failed projects, the "broken rules." I lovelovelove this picture book with all of my spooky heart. There's a bit of Jumanji and Hayao Miyazaki and Edward Gorey in the artwork. And all of it makes me want to be a kid again. Summers have a way of quietly crescendo-ing to a bittersweet, beloved end, and this book is the perfect way to revisit that feeling.

A couple of my faves:



Never drop your jar.



Never be late for a parade.