The minute Mom leaves, Yvette asks, “Is it time yet, Dad?” Dad answers, “Not yet, Yvette.” Then Yvette and her dad get busy beacause there’s a lot to do before Mom comes home, like clean the house and bake a birthday cake. Through it all, Yvette repeats her question and Dad responds, “Not yet, Yvette.”
The simple story is deftly conveyed in natural-sounding dialogue. Trivas’s colorful illustrations are lively and freely rendered; with many cozy details, including the amusing antics of the family cats, they nicely reflect this black family’s warm pleasure in each other’s company.
Splashed with sunny colors, Trivas’ impressionistic watercolor paintings give the picture book an engaging look. One of many recent picture books depicting black children in happy family settings, this will appeal to any child old enough to enjoy secrets and surprises.
