Mommy's new friend

In this lighthearted exploration of a parent's bonding with a new partner, Tougas (Finders Keepers) focuses on the situation's can'ts and cans, beginning with an early-days introduction: "When That Guy picks up Mommy for a date... you can't stick out your tongue.... But you can fake smile and high-five." Digitally finished mixed-media spreads from Palacios (Hopefully the Scarecrow) quickly establish the brown-skinned protagonists--impish Lily, expressive Mommy, and That Guy, who wears a gentle smile. As fits and starts with the new partner slowly result in a burgeoning familial relationship, Lily's trips to pale-skinned Daddy's house add another close bond to the mix. An underexplored incident around Lily's learning that "You can't say he is the guy who picks up your garbage" raises more questions than answers. But the adults work hard at relationship-building, as when Daddy tells Lily that "That Guy seems like a nice guy." And eventually, with patience and humor--and all three adults cheering on Lily's science fair rocket project--"That Guy" becomes a beloved member of the family, a beat that gives the story a layered rom-com sensibility. Ages 4--8. Author's agent: Susan Hawk, Upstart Crow Literary. Illustrator's agent: Minju Chang and Kendra Marcus, BookStop Literary. (Feb.)

A young girl acclimates to a changing family dynamic. When That Guy comes to pick Mommy up for dates, Lily's inclined to hide behind the curtains or stick her tongue out. Instead, she gives him a fake smile and introduces herself. When Lily goes out with That Guy and Mommy, she must be on her best behavior, and she has to get used to doing other things with That Guy, such as inviting him to her science fair. Things begin to shift, however, after she shows Daddy and That Guy her rocket ship schematics and, later, Daddy tells her that That Guy seems nice. When That Guy picks Lily up from school, she introduces him as Carl, and they play hide-and-seek in the park on the way home. Lily realizes that her life may have space for Carl after all. Told in the second person, this endearing story perfectly encapsulates the uncertainty children feel when their separated parents begin dating someone new. The sweet, warm-toned artwork is simple yet effective in conveying Lily and her blended family's journey. This is an ideal book for families facing similar situations who need to show children that while it's OK to feel a range of emotions, it's also important to make room for new family members. Lily is biracial, Mommy presents as Black, Daddy as white, and Carl is brown. A thoughtful portrayal of family. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.