Once upon a time there were two emails in my work email that said, “Please give our books a chance!” So I did. And out of the almost 10 titles I read via online reader copies, I found three I enjoyed and wanted to review.
The Magic Box: A Book of Opposites by Charles Ghigna and illustrated by Jacqueline East had potential. However, due to the minimal text, it missed the OMG BBE (Best Book Ever) mark by a smidgen. There were not as many opposites as I had hoped to follow along with. Yet, Ghingna’s text is still perfect for the early to stronger solo reader. And it is East’s adorable illustrations that really make things pop off the page. The colors are sweet, soft, and light with sparse details, but nothing is lacking. Things really work for all readers even if things are stereotypically considered more “feminine” in nature. Currently (or soon) available, I read via an online reader copy. 
What Love Looks Like by Laura Obuobi and illustrated by Anna Cunha is due mid-June 2024. The story is “okay” for my tastes, but the romantic, modern atmosphere will be perfect for readers today. Like several books read recently, it’s the artwork that sells things. The story of a young girl who cannot sleep asks her father what love is. The journey they take is magical and expressed by dreamy, colorful, but not too much, illustrations. The details are not necessarily fleshed out completely in each image, but what is there supports and adds to things. It is a “mood” book (meaning you need to be in the right mood to read and it is an emotional read as well).
Danté Plays His Blues by Allen R. Wells and Shamar Knight-Justice on the illustrations was not what I expected, but was even better. The story of a child who loses his home, must move in with his uncles, a cousin, and mother seems sad, but despite all the bad that happens, there are glimpses of hope. One is a golden saxophone Dante named Luna (after his former home area). He has a few bumps, but that’s how life is and it just makes the music sweeter. The illustrations of Knight-Justice are modern and smooth. They support the story by giving light to a serious subject. They are cool and colorful, without being overwhelming. Due early July 2024.