CHLOE AND THE FIREFLIES

For the first time, Chloe can relax.

Chloe’s had some tough foster experiences in the past, but life now feels like a wonderful dream. Chloe bakes cookies, dances, gets all A’s in school, finally makes real friends, and bonds with a loving pair of foster parents (both of whom present male). But will Chloe have to leave once again? Longing to stay, the youngster makes a wish on a firefly. One evening at sunset, Chloe’s surprised by a message on the driveway written in chalk: “Welcome Home, Chloe!!!!” Chloe’s foster parents and friends beam and hold out their arms in celebration. Thanks to swirling firefly magic, Chloe’s wish was granted. Images in a calming pastel palette, with soft, wide brush strokes, set a tranquil tone. The bright, syrupy-sweet artwork alternates between full-page illustrations depicting Chloe’s house and ethereal vignettes set against a solid background as Chloe reflects on various memories. It’s a reassuring tale, but one that glosses over the harsher realities of the often fraught and complicated foster-care system; adults seeking stories that unpack foster children’s complex emotional journeys should look elsewhere. Still, many kids will be buoyed by Chloe’s happy ending. Chloe and one of the foster parents present Black; the other foster parent appears white, and the supporting cast is diverse.

An uplifting, rose-colored story of the search for a forever home.