The Naked Streak

Two aesthetic periods wreak gentle domestic havoc in this sprightly picture book about a protagonist who stages a miniature rebellion by going au naturel. It all starts on Monday, when, arch text from Howard (Do Mommies Ever Sleep?) announces, “it was decided there would be no more hats,” and the build reaches its bare-bottomed conclusion on Friday with “no more underwear.” The Naked Streak continues as the child disrobes in a grocery store cereal aisle and during story time, and ends neither when Dad proffers a cool new top (“It was decided that the shirt was boring”) nor when Mom insists upon underpants. Finally, the kid encounters a sibling’s tutu, a discovery that kicks off “The Era of Fancy,” in which anything deemed extravagant—from a lacy guest towel to the dog’s collar—is added to an impressive outfit mélange. Digital watercolors by Kim (Shy Robin and the First Day of School) portray a pale-skinned, dark-haired kid in nearly perpetual motion, mouth open with mischievous glee while leaning into a specific act of autonomy. It’s a resonant read for anyone who has reveled in (or weathered) a textile-free phase. Background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 3–7. Author’s agent: Jennifer Weltz, Jean V. Naggar Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Lori Nowicki, Painted Words. (Apr.)