What does summer look like through a child's eyes? Bubbles in Summer by Wanda Carter Roush sheds some light on that very question. Written in a rhyming style, this story shows readers how Bubble Girl spends her days watching colorful bubbles move through the sights and sounds of the season. Floating through backyards, gardens, beaches, and everyday adventures, the bubbles help bring the magic of summer to life. Whether it’s sunny days filled with picnics, ripe strawberries, and sandcastles or starry nights filled with fireworks and fireflies, this children’s book highlights what children love most about the hottest time of the year. It also includes summer facts, an I-Spy activity, a hidden puppy challenge, and a section introducing American Sign Language. Can you spot all the signs of summer hidden throughout the story?

As I was reading Bubbles in Summer by Wanda Carter Roush, I could just hear the Chicago song lyrics: “Saturdays in the park, every day’s the Fourth of July.” The rhyming text adds a cheerful rhythm that would make it a fun read-aloud. As a teacher, I’d use this book during a summer-themed unit, end-of-year celebration, and maybe even during a unit on the weather. It could lead to some great classroom conversations on favorite summer memories, outdoor activities, and nature. Students could write a summer poem or create bubble-inspired artwork. I also appreciated the activities at the end of the book, including facts about summer, an I-Spy game, and the sign language chart, which extend the read. The illustrations by Andrew and Alicia Pezzente are colorful, expressive, and calm (in a magical way). Children will love looking at each page. It was difficult to choose from all the beautiful pictures, but I think my favorites are the ones with the children relaxing under the tree and the one with the fireflies at twilight. Anyone looking for a tale about summer adventures, nature, and friendship will want to pick this book. This story is a reminder to slow down, enjoy the little moments, and appreciate the magic hiding in ordinary days.

Bubbles in Summer is a story of the summer season's hidden gems. Wanda Carter Roush has written a story inspired by Bubble Girl, a child with Dravet syndrome, and her summer experience. The story drifts through bubbles that carry us into the wonders of summer. Through each bubble, the author shares the different ways children can enjoy summer. Kids are swinging freely in the backyard. A few of them settle under the tree to have a picnic and read storybooks, while the other children choose to go to the beach and build sandcastles. This particular summer is extra special for the lovely Bubble Girl. She gets to meet a friend who communicates through American Sign Language (ASL). Together with the other kids, they all learn some ASL, showing a kind of friendship that goes beyond skin color and the individual's ability.

Wanda Carter Roush makes readers aware of the quiet details of summer that often go unnoticed. For example, the author gives us a tour with bubbles passing through warm sunlight, glowing fireflies, shifting sands, and many more. The rhymes she used flow naturally and consistently, making the story more enjoyable during storytelling sessions in classrooms or in libraries. In addition, this book is a good resource for kids to learn the ASL alphabet. You can find the ASL guide in the back matter. It shows three valuable ASL phrases that kids can quickly study and use. Overall, Bubbles in Summer delivers the message of inclusion with care, warmth, and grace.