“As Sun rises/ on misty mornings” in Cherokee Nation and “moon rises/ on steamy evenings” across the tribal border in Muscogee Nation, seven-year-old Piper, an only child, enjoys visiting extended family—fishing, dancing with fireflies, learning from older cousins, eating grape dumplings, and listening to elders’ stories. But “a new day brings/ a new neighbor”: four-year-old Sumi, with whom she becomes fast friends. As time passes, the two deepen their bond, experiencing each one’s favorite traditions on shared trips to Oklahoma and Mumbai.---from the publisher
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Written by the award-winning, bestselling author of Jingle Dancer, Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee), and filled with tender illustrations by Kate Gardiner (Nipmuck), this unforgettable, warmhearted picture book is for family and the friends who become family.
Piper feels grateful for visits with her relatives, especially for the time spent with her cousins in Cherokee Nation and Muscogee Nation during summer vacations, fishing on misty mornings and playing on firefly-filled evenings. Piper’s family lives a road trip away in Kansas City. So when a neighbor named Sumi moves in next door, Piper is excited to share her stories and seasons with a new friend.
The two are inseparable—until Piper’s family moves to another city. Their bond overcomes distance, and with time, Piper dreams up a plan to reunite with the people she loves most of all.---from the publisher
40 pages 978-0063274440 Ages 5-8
Keywords: family, friendship, new friend, Native American, separation, moving, relationships, 5 year old, 6 year old, 7 year old, 8 year old, diverse books, Native American author
