Nobody but Me

During a watery outdoor outing, a child embarks on a captivating adventure in Lundberg’s richly illustrated evocation of early independence. Realistic-feeling dialogue sets the tone: “Do you know what, Mom?... You’re the pier. And I’m the boat.” After proudly untying the knot that tethers a small raft to a dock’s piling, the pale-skinned youth floats away from their mother as storytelling turns wordless. Lush, thickly colored paintings trace the protagonist’s journey through a stand of mangroves to an active urban waterway to a water park where another child gives them a seed. Moving on to a forest, their raft capsizes, but a group of leaf-clad, sprite-like creatures who have appeared throughout provide help and warming comfort. Slightly shaken,the youth returns to Mom for a reassuring embrace, and the pair reflect on when the child’s seed might sprout. Unfolding via panels and full-bleed spreads, shadowy and dreamy artwork yields a meditative visual telling about solo exploration. Background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4–7. (Apr.)