Heatwave by Lauren Redniss
ISBN: 0593645944
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

To say the illustrations in this book are striking is an understatement. Redniss begins the story at the beach; folks are looking for some respite from an overwhelming heatwave. Both words and images are simple and bold, with black lines set against a stark red page with no other color.

The first drop of rain produces a brilliant mark of blue on the page, evoking the sensation of water falling from the sky on a too-hot day. On the pages that follow, blue slowly overtakes red as the rain falls harder and the sun begins to set.

Global warming is mentioned in the jacket description, but messaging in regard to that theme is quite subtle. At the same time, we can all relate to days that seem abnormally hot, as well as the relief that comes when the temperatures come down. This book is recommended for ages 3-6.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta