Glow

Toddler-PreS–Sunset signals the end of play for two Black boys and that it’s time to head home and settle in for the night: “Summer day / play done / gold gold sun down.” Crickets chirp and fireflies light their way along the path. The mother of one boy welcomes them both with ice cream cones before sending the other off to his own home. Then it is time to deal with the mess. Sinking into the bubble bath for a dust-busting soak, the boy gazes out the window toward the night sky, while the full moon, center stage, provides a glow that envelopes everything below. Mama dries the boy in thick towels and spreads cocoa butter on his limbs, and off he goes to bed with the moon still beaming over him. This loving poem shines in text and art. From the sky of early evening to the arrival of the stars and moon, the art glows throughout.