Wynter, Anne. While We’re Here. Micha Archer, Illus. Clarion, 03/2026. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-0-06-323829-9. GRADES Preschool–2. OUTSTANDING.
A Black mother and her look-alike daughter, wearing matching sweaters, go out for a jaunt in the city, hoping to attend a friend’s birthday party. The brief text uses the repeated phrase “Hurry, hurry,” to begin each phrase, such as “Hurry hurry, catch the train. We have somewhere to be!” Although this doesn’t rhyme, the repeated clipped phrasing gives the text a rhythmic beat. Vibrantly colored collage illustrations, constructed with handmade papers, pair perfectly with the energetic text. The location looks similar to New York’s Central Park but it isn’t named. The combination of dramatic artwork and a memorable, lively text make this a standout.
Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool