New

Mata’s introspective solo picture book debut centers new-kid-at-school experiences while imagining many possibilities for the word new. An unnamed narrator kicks off the word’s variations, explaining that “even as Mama helps me dress in hand-me-down clothes, and as Tatay packs my favorite lunch in recycled containers.... I am new.” Walking to school, “new is exciting,” reminiscent of freshly sharpened pencils and “the thrill of my first autumn breeze.” Close observations and anticipations are rendered in full color, until arrival at school establishes a shift to desaturated hues. There, at last, a new pal returns bright moments to the telling; though the two speak different languages, their initial encounters blossom into friendship and “joy—a joy that knows no boundaries.” The protagonist cues as of Filipino heritage; background characters are portrayed with various abilities and skin tones. Ages 4–8. (May)