With her BFF Katia away at summer camp, it’s looking to be a boring summer ahead for Lucy. Instead of spending those glorious school-free months with her bestie, she’ll be stuck doing chores and trying to avoid her dad’s judgments about everything from the clothes she wears to the things she cares about.
Her town is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a big celebration, which means they’re going to repair the old carousel for the big day. This brings in some new faces in the form of Ray, an artist in town to help with the restoration, and Anaïs, her daughter, who is smart, funny, and easy to talk to. As the two bond over summer vibes, bike rides, and sunshine, Lucy finally feels comfortable expressing who she truly is.
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Filled with friendship, first crushes, and life lessons galore amongst the backdrop of illustrations that feel like hazy summer warmth, Carousel Summer by Kathleen Gros is the perfect book to pack in your beach bag, read nestled next to a bonfire, or to bring along on a summer road trip.
For twelve-year-old Lucy Stulligross, a boring summer without her best friend turns into an unexpected coming-of-age journey of firsts. Perfect for fans of Kayla Miller and Jarad Greene.
With her best friend away at camp, tons of chores to do, and her dad always on her case for being such a tomboy, Lucy is dreading summer. That is, until Milforth’s plan to revive an old carousel for the town’s 150th anniversary brings artist Ray and her daughter, Anaïs, to town.
Anaïs is smart, funny, and easy to talk to, and Lucy—who’s used to being judged for her looks and interests—finally feels at ease in her own skin. And she thinks she may feel something for Anaïs, too.
Leading up to Milforth’s big birthday, tensions begin rising with locals, thanks to a shifty development company trying to overrun the town. Things also come to a breaking point at home, when Lucy butts heads with her dad over how she wants to express herself as a girl.
Can Lucy find the courage to be true to who she is? She’s got the whole summer to find out…
Carousel Summer
AUTHOR: Kathleen Gros
PUBLISHER: Quill Tree Books
DATE: April 8, 2025
Part of the magic of Carousel Summer is the old carousel they’re rebuilding for the big town birthday celebration. The illustrations in this graphic novel really bring the story to life, and the carousel panels are especially beautiful. Turns out, horses are kinda tricky to draw! Add all the little ornate details of a carousel horse into the mix, and it’s even more difficult. But after writing and illustrating Carousel Summer, Kathleen Gros is basically an expert, and she’s giving our readers an EXCLUSIVE guide to drawing carousel horses!
Whether you’re already an artist or trying to draw for the first time, this simple how-to will have you drawing them in no time!
How to Draw a Carousel Horse Inspired by CAROUSEL SUMMER:
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