Staying on the beach in a cabin his family goes to every year, the young narrator waits for Chicken Smith, who always stays “with his dad and his dog, Jelly” in a cabin nearby. He recounts their traditions and exploits (it’s clear he idolizes Chicken Smith), and expresses frustration that Chicken Smith has yet to arrive. “This year Chicken Smith’s cabin looks different. The windows are shut. The grass is long, and I don’t see his bike.” The narrator’s sister is eager to do things with him, but he’s too busy thinking about Chicken Smith to find her anything but an annoyance, until the two of them share an experience that even he and Chicken Smith never had, opening his eyes to the possibilities—and person— right in front of him. Expectation and disappointment are palpable in a picture book that also holds the promise of good times regardless. The quirky, off-kilter art style heightens the emotionally unsettled feel of the young, brown-skinned narrator in a story that offers myriad opportunities for inference. (Ages 4–8)

A story about childhood friendships, anticipation, and the magic moments that arise while you’re waiting for something else to happen.

Every year a young boy stays in the same cabin at the beach with his family. And every year his friend Chicken Smith stays in the next cabin over. But this year, something’s different: Chicken Smith hasn’t shown up yet. The boy’s little sister, MaryAnn, keeps trying to get his attention, but he’s too busy remembering all of his adventures with Chicken Smith — and thinking about everything they’re going to do this summer. Is Chicken ever going to show up? And just what has MaryAnn been yelling about? David Mackintosh’s ode to small summer wonders will make readers of all ages open their eyes to the quick, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments happening all around them.