AT THE SUPERMARKET

Rockwell’s 1979 classic gets a makeover with new illustrations and an updated story. As in the older version, a young boy and his mother go to the grocery store together. Their grocery cart fills with staples likely to be familiar to readers—bread, milk, eggs, grapes, carrots, paper towels and soap for laundry and dishes. Throughout the trip, Rockwell captures the eager helpfulness of the young boy, as well as his anticipation—the final groceries are the ones that will make his birthday cake. Thanks to brightly colored gouache illustrations, readers go to the store with the pair—no matter what store parents shop in, the artwork reflects commonalities, and the close-up views of the groceries are generic yet easily identifiable. While it’s a shame this update does not do more to include ethnic diversity in the foods acquired and depicted, its quiet clarity is sure to attract newcomers who appreciate the simpler pace of life it reflects. (Picture book. 3-6)