Searching for Mr. Johnson’s Song

A child endeavors to identify the lyrics of a beloved tune in this affecting picture book, which matter-of-factly addresses an experience of memory loss. Caius’s neighbor, Mr. Johnson, vocalizes each morning, but he never finishes the song, explaining that he’s “lost the rest” of it. Inspired by warm memories of singing with his own grandfather, Caius heads to the library to uncover the work’s lyrics, searching among hymnals (“Their presence is as powerful as the stories they tell”) and listening to albums (“The bass makes the air vibrate like a thousand protestors marching toward equality”). When his research fails to turn up any leads, the protagonist despairs until a familiar voice provides him with a gift he shares with Mr. Johnson. Gouache and digital illustrations by Orlando incorporate flowy pattern- and texture-filled renderings that amplify the uplifting qualities of Vanece’s simile-filled text. An endnote contextualizes the featured American Southern gospel hymn. Characters cue as Black. Ages 5–8. (Oct.)