Miller-Lachmann, Lyn. Ways to Play. Gabriel Alborozo, Illus. Levine Querido, 8/2023. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-64614-259-0. GRADES Preschool–Kindergarten. ADDITIONAL.
Bossy cousin Emma criticizes the way Riley plays, saying he’s too quiet, too focused, too neat—even though how he plays makes him happy. The disagreement fades when they take Charlie (a grey dog) out to play and discover that there are many different ways to play. Alborozo’s pen and ink illustrations bring the focus to how they are playing, which helps readers see that there are many ways to have fun. All characters have light skin.
Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library