A young Black boy and his father showcase their classic car at the Bud Billiken Parade, which celebrates the end of summer and prepares the Chicago community for back-to-school, exquisitely illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Noa Denmon.
The boom boom bam of a big bass drum is what the end of summer sounds like in Bronzeville. Today is the Bud Billiken Parade on Chicago’s South Side, and Dru and Daddy have been customizing their classic Cadillac named Sunshine since the first day of summer.
But Sunshine’s saying she’s not going to start. Dru and Daddy race to get Sunshine rolling while cymbals crash, tumblers pounce, and dancers strut their stuff. Dru wishes that summer would never end so he could work with Daddy forever, but the energy of the parade gets him revved up for the school year.
With rhythmic text by R.J. Owens and radiant illustrations by Caldecott Honoree Now Denmon, Sunshine’s Coming Through captures the hope and possibility that shine with strong community and back-to-school excitement.
