Let’s Go!
by Julie Flett; illus. by the author
Preschool, Primary    Greystone Kids    40 pp.
5/24    9781771646109    $19.95

Every day, a child watches other kids skateboarding past the window and wishes to join them. After receiving Mom’s old skateboard, the child can now practice at the skatepark for real. At first unsure about joining the other kids, our protagonist sits alone watching them on their boards. Two others sit down and watch, too; eventually all three decide to join in with the group. Flett’s (We All Play, rev. 1/23) spare text, with its naturally incorporated Cree language refrain “haw êkwa,” ably and empathetically reflects a child’s nervousness and excitement about trying something new. The muted tones of the digitally composed pastel and pencil drawings complement the narrative. In her appended note, Flett explains that the story was inspired by her son and his friends learning how to skateboard and by “the skateboard community we had been a part of for many years.” She also explains the meaning of the Cree idiom haw êkwa (“okay, and”) and explores the definition of a “flow state,” along with providing Cree words that skateboarders may find useful. The book beautifully highlights the value of perseverance along with the joy of skateboarding.

From the May/June 2024 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.