Our Friendly Farmhouse

This story from Ferguson, making her picture book debut with a read inspired by her family life, suggests that HGTV-style escapism isn’t just for adults. When Papa returns from a bike ride having spotted farmland up for auction “toward the misty Appalachian Mountains,” he and Mama hesitate only briefly before going all in and securing the plot. A child narrates as a farmhouse is built with a storybook seamlessness, and the family welcomes chickens, pets, and even a new baby. The home becomes the kind of gathering place where “fireworks sparkled over garden parties, and cousin campouts were adorned with fireflies,” while the great outdoors fuels the children’s pretend play. Powers (Summer’s Call) tucks florals into sunny, softly textured illustrations of domestic scenes, rendering the wide-eyed, pale-skinned family members with rosy cheeks and openhearted countenances. It’s an idyll whose message narrowly transcends real estate fantasy, landing on an optimistic message: “And all this because my parents asked that one little-yet-big day, ‘What if... ?’ to an idea that was wonderful! Glorious! And a little bit scary.” An author’s note concludes. Ages 4–8. (July)