Miles Ahead

The title of this all-dialogue picture book mystery from Lê (Real to Me) and Bontigao (Kailani’s Gift) playfully refers to both a road trip that the focal family’s preparing to undertake and their white terrier, Miles, who cleverly lends assistance when things go awry. As the relations bustle to get out the door, much of the action focuses on a child who has crammed a backpack with objects from an extensive packing list (“Origami paper? Lucky penny? More books?”). But as everyone files into the car, no one can remember where they left the wrapped present for the infant they’re heading to meet. Retracing their steps across a horizontal cutaway doesn’t yield the gift, but with the help of the family’s savvy pooch, it does uncover treasured mementos from the children’s own early days: a beloved baby blanket, bath-time book, bunny stuffie, and booties. The child takes matters in hand, compiling the objects and indicating that together, they form a gift that’s just as suitable as the “latest fancy baby gadget” procured for the occasion. Exuberant slice-of-life illustrations, reassuring family-sitcom rapport, and a clever visual punch line turn the quandary into a celebration of memory and resourcefulness. The family is portrayed with brown skin and dark hair. Ages 3–7. Author’s agent: Stephen Barbara, InkWell Management. Illustrator’s agent: Caryn Wiseman, Andrea Brown Literary. (Apr.)