Martine is a girl who is always ready to greet the day with a smile on her face, a bounce in her step, and a great big HELLO When a hurricane named Willis takes away her neighborhood's sweet smells, pretty colors, and beautiful music, it isn't long before Martine comes up with a plan to bring joy back into the lives of neighbors and friends.
"Ku's (Silly Face Castle, 2017, etc.) full-page illustrations beautifully convey Martine's emotions and the neighborhood's moods as well as its diversity. Given the book's preference for optimism, it downplays the real difficulties-financial, emotional, and logistical-of recovery after a major hurricane. Everyone, it seems, can easily afford to rebuild; no one lost a prized possession, a family member, or even a pet; no one has nightmares, depression, or lasting stress. Children who are less resilient post-disaster could find it hard to relate to Martine's buoyancy. A sunny tale for rainy days that encourages energy and hope." --Kirkus Starred Review