“… from the moment I open my eyes I can tell it’s a Pool Day.” It’s clear the young narrator isn’t the only one who thinks the pool is the perfect place to spend a hot summer day in the city in this lively picture book following a racially diverse group of children and families as they spend the day at “our pool.” The story is composed of a string of evocative details (e.g., waiting impatiently for sunblock to be applied; the many and varied ways of getting into and being in the water; the muffling of city noises underwater; floating behind Mom “like a cape”; the collective disappointment when dark clouds appear and collective cheer when they move away). The gouache, colored pencil, and digital art’s sun-bright palette, punctuated by fluorescent pinks and greens, and the many and varied scenes that are sure to be familiar to pool-goers and enticing to novices, add to the irresistible energy. The unidentified narrator could be any of the children shown throughout the story in this celebration of summer, city life, and the sense of community that a shared space can inspire. (Ages 4-7)

On a hot day, people come from all over the city to spend the day at the pool in this joyful picture book that’s a love song to summer, the city, community, and staying cool!

Today is a pool day in the city! The sun is shining, so what are you waiting for? Friends and family. Kids and grandparents. Big bodies and small bodies. Everybody is welcome at our pool! Get ready for swimming and splashing, zigzagging and dunking, and racing and laughing.