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It Must Be Summer
It must be summer…and once again, our happy-hearted family is here to welcome in the signs of the ever-changing seasons. Share in their anticipation as they plant and rhyme their way to a delicious finale that reminds us all about the simple joys of a warm sunny day spent with good friends. And as always, the one-liners are coming in hot from our neighbourhood squirrels – and while summ-er better than others, tickling the pun-ny bone is always in season.
Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2023
About the author
Michelle Wang
18 books20 followersMichelle Wang is the author of an award-winning series of picture books about a fun-loving family discovering the beauty of the changing seasons: It Must Be Autumn (winner of the 2021 Royal Dragonfly Book Award and the Southern California Book Festival Award), It Must Be Winter (2021 Wishing Shelf Book Awards finalist), It Must Be Spring (2023 Educators Choice Awards finalist), and It Must Be Summer (available December 2023).
Michelle lives in Toronto, Ontario, where she was born and raised on Saturday mornings at the library with her two sisters, borrowing ten books each. The rest of the week, she lived in the worlds of heroes whose names were spelled with an e and wore paper bags and ate alligator pies at Macdonald Hall, alongside chums aged two plus two plus two who owned the wrong hockey sweater and told tales of strange things done.
When Michelle grew up and got married, her mother-in-law came to stay one day. Things went missing, and the events that ensued inspired Michelle to write Oma’s Bag as a love letter to her husband and their four children, as well as for all those families who have loved ones living with dementia.
Unlike Oma, Michelle doesn’t usually carry around a purse or a bag, but please don’t ask to look in her pockets.
For more information visit:
www.itmustbebooks.com
Michelle lives in Toronto, Ontario, where she was born and raised on Saturday mornings at the library with her two sisters, borrowing ten books each. The rest of the week, she lived in the worlds of heroes whose names were spelled with an e and wore paper bags and ate alligator pies at Macdonald Hall, alongside chums aged two plus two plus two who owned the wrong hockey sweater and told tales of strange things done.
When Michelle grew up and got married, her mother-in-law came to stay one day. Things went missing, and the events that ensued inspired Michelle to write Oma’s Bag as a love letter to her husband and their four children, as well as for all those families who have loved ones living with dementia.
Unlike Oma, Michelle doesn’t usually carry around a purse or a bag, but please don’t ask to look in her pockets.
For more information visit:
www.itmustbebooks.com
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 11, 2025
A Joyful Celebration of Sunlit Days
It Must Be Summer is a picture book that brings to life the soft, glowing moments of childhood summers. In gentle, rhythmic prose, Michelle Wang paints a portrait of the season not through big events, but through the small, sensory details that define it: the warmth of the sun on bare feet, the taste of cherries, the smell of flowers, the sounds of birds and the sunlit views.
What makes this book especially lovely is how it captures the quiet magic of summer - the feeling of days that stretch long and unhurried, and the subtle beauty found in taking care of plants. It’s less about a traditional story arc and more about atmosphere, gently encouraging children to notice the simple joys that surround them.
The illustrations add even more charm, bathing each page in warm, soft colors that underline pleasant expressions of characters' faces. The art feels fresh and welcoming for today’s readers.
Overall, It Must Be Summer is a comforting, beautifully made book that reminds us that summer’s real magic lies in its small, shared moments - and that slowing down to notice them is often the sweetest adventure of all.
It Must Be Summer is a picture book that brings to life the soft, glowing moments of childhood summers. In gentle, rhythmic prose, Michelle Wang paints a portrait of the season not through big events, but through the small, sensory details that define it: the warmth of the sun on bare feet, the taste of cherries, the smell of flowers, the sounds of birds and the sunlit views.
What makes this book especially lovely is how it captures the quiet magic of summer - the feeling of days that stretch long and unhurried, and the subtle beauty found in taking care of plants. It’s less about a traditional story arc and more about atmosphere, gently encouraging children to notice the simple joys that surround them.
The illustrations add even more charm, bathing each page in warm, soft colors that underline pleasant expressions of characters' faces. The art feels fresh and welcoming for today’s readers.
Overall, It Must Be Summer is a comforting, beautifully made book that reminds us that summer’s real magic lies in its small, shared moments - and that slowing down to notice them is often the sweetest adventure of all.
January 27, 2024
Michelle Lim's "It Must Be Summer" is a delightful children's book that captures the essence of summer, every day is an adventure waiting to unfold.
"It Must Be Summer" is a heartwarming ode to the joys of summertime, destined to become a beloved favorite among children and parents alike. With its engaging storytelling, captivating illustrations, and timeless themes, this charming book is sure to inspire a sense of wonder and adventure in readers of all ages..
"It Must Be Summer" is a heartwarming ode to the joys of summertime, destined to become a beloved favorite among children and parents alike. With its engaging storytelling, captivating illustrations, and timeless themes, this charming book is sure to inspire a sense of wonder and adventure in readers of all ages..
December 9, 2023
On this cold winter day it is nice to remember summer when reading the final book in the It Must Be… seasonal series. It Must Be Summer is an adorable and educational story and fun for kids learning to read. Personally, I loved the addition of the cat enjoying the picnic with the family at the end. This family obviously needed a cat to join their cute family.
December 9, 2023
It might be winter but it's never too early for summer! This is the best book in the series! The squirrel jokes are back with a vengeance and had me laughing out loud. I love that this one introduces telling time and the 5 senses to kids. She introduces a new character in this book who is so endearing. It's a ca n't-miss read. The full series is a must-have addition to any child's library!
December 10, 2023
Have been waiting for this final season to arrive. As with the previous three, the squirrels are hilarious and the story is so well written that it will be enjoyed by children of all ages even those who are 70 years old!
Can’t wait to share it with all the younger children in my life. Buy the book.. You’ll love it. Can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next.
Can’t wait to share it with all the younger children in my life. Buy the book.. You’ll love it. Can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next.
March 22, 2025
Michelle Wang masterfully brings to life the simple pleasures of sunny days, from planting gardens to enjoying time with friends. The clever humor, including the pun-filled one-liners from the neighborhood squirrels, adds a delightful touch that will have readers of all ages smiling. Highly recommended!
March 22, 2025
Sunshine, sand, and predictable text.. Even the early readers and new language learners in my class are finishing the text out loud! It’s got that magical pattern kids latch onto, so they feel like readers. The series of books in “It Must Be...” are solid for boosting confidence and getting ready for summer with the family and the funny joking squirrels.
December 10, 2023
A fun story about planting and waiting for food to grow
Children will enjoy the repetitive phrases in this book and will love to join in telling the story for each character. The illustrations are bright and colourful and go well with the story.
Children will enjoy the repetitive phrases in this book and will love to join in telling the story for each character. The illustrations are bright and colourful and go well with the story.
December 12, 2023
Cute lovely read
Sister, granny, Mother, Grandpa, Brother and Father all plant anticipating the change in seasons. The puns from the two squirrels were hilarious. Lovely read for children. Enjoyed it.
Sister, granny, Mother, Grandpa, Brother and Father all plant anticipating the change in seasons. The puns from the two squirrels were hilarious. Lovely read for children. Enjoyed it.
December 16, 2023
What an excellent addition to the wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated series! I love the connection to our senses. The reader can definitely see, hear, taste, touch, and smell summer! A perfect read aloud for parents and educators!
December 17, 2023
It Must be Summer was a great read! The jokes made me laugh and I thought that the story was very cute. Would definitely recommend for any age. It is perfect for younger kids, but adults can enjoy some nostalgia from reading a children's book without getting bored.
January 6, 2024
Wow!! After so many chilly days and grey skies, this book is just what I needed to cheer me up! Everything from the adorable illustrations to the witty writing made for a remarkable read. What a great story, I can't wait to see what Michelle writes next and what adventures await!
December 10, 2023
Great read for my siblings!!
March 22, 2025
So cute and love the humour. Fun read with the kids.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews