The Long, Lazy Summer

The Long, Lazy Summer
By: Michele L. Sayre
Illustrations by: Christina Cartwright
 
The Long, Lazy Summer is a tender and heartfelt story told through the eyes of young Raymond, affectionately known as “Ray,” his mother’s little “ray of sunshine.” Set over one poignant summer, the story follows the joyful and bittersweet adventures shared between Ray and his mother, who is quietly and gracefully battling cancer.

Each day of their summer together becomes a treasured memory—filled with backyard scavenger hunts, imaginative play, movie marathons, art projects, gardening, and walks among the flowers. From dancing in the garden and building blanket forts to learning about life, loss, and transformation through butterflies and sunflowers, Ray’s days are illuminated by his mother’s endless love and unwavering spirit.

As her illness progresses, their time together becomes more tender, and his mother uses every moment to pass along lessons of joy, resilience, and remembrance. Through heartfelt conversations, acts of creativity, and even a surprise early Christmas, she prepares Ray for a world without her physical presence—but ensures he knows she’ll always be with him in spirit. In the touching final moments, Ray finds comfort in a butterfly’s wings, understanding the power of love to transcend even death.

The Long, Lazy Summer is a masterpiece of emotional storytelling—a children's book that speaks just as powerfully to adults as it does to younger readers. Michele L. Sayre weaves a touching narrative about love, loss, and the eternal bond between a parent and child. Told with sensitivity and poetic grace, the story is both uplifting and deeply emotional, offering a gentle way to talk about illness, grief, and hope.

Young readers will be drawn into Ray’s world of imagination and innocence, while older readers will resonate with the strength and warmth of a mother determined to make every moment matter. The book approaches heavy themes in an age-appropriate way, never overwhelming, always reassuring, and filled with light.

Christina Cartwright’s illustrations complement the story beautifully, adding color and heart to every scene. The sunflowers, the butterfly, the shared smiles—all leap off the page and linger in your heart.
This is a perfect book for parents to read with children, especially during difficult times. It invites important conversations about memory, love, and the cycle of life, while also celebrating the everyday magic of simply being together.

In the end, The Long, Lazy Summer is more than just a book—it’s a tribute to the power of love and the legacy we leave behind. It reminds us that even when someone we love is gone, their light continues to shine in us forever.

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