A joyful debut picture book ode to the music, games, food, and fun a young girl encounters at her family's annual summer cookout at Grandma's house.CiCi just can't wait to get to her Grandma's house for the family's first big cookout of the summer. There's plenty to look forward to: the food, the games, the music, and seeing all her aunties and uncles. But most of all, Cici is excited to catch up with her big cousin Chase.
There's just one problem: she can't seem to find him anywhere! CiCi searches all over the party, asking everyone she meets if they've seen Chase, until she finally thinks to look for him in the most unexpected of places . . .
From the cousins playing Double Dutch, to the uncles throwing horseshoes, to the savory smells of Grandma's cooking, this is a love letter to family, summer, and the magic that happens when we all get together.
On sale: April 7, 2026
Age: 3-7 years
Grade: Preschool - 2
Page count: 40 Pages
ISBN: 9780593860335
Nadia Fisher is the illustrator of
Daddy Dressed Me by Michael and Ava Gardner and
Create Your Bright Ideas by Jess Ekstrom, among others.
At the Cookout is her author/illustrator debut. Visit her online at AriaDelSole.com and follow her @AriaDelSole
Praise for At the Cookout:"The joy is palpable in Fisher’s bright, warm artwork and her jaunty, dialogue-heavy text as this loving Black family gathers, bonding over food and music, greeting each other with laughter, hugs, and elaborate handshakes . . . Warm and inviting." —
Kirkus Reviews
"Vibrant digital illustrations bring this close-knit Black family to life, featuring a wide range of hairstyles and expressive faces. Colorful close-ups of mouthwatering plates of food and dessert make the pages feel even more inviting. A heartwarming celebration of family, tradition, and togetherness." —
Booklist
