Reading: GOING UP! - Sherry J. Lee (writer), Charlene Chua (illustrator)

This sweet-natured picture book's premise is simple: it's Olive's birthday, and Olive lives way up on the ten floor of Sophie's apartment building. There's even a party to celebrate, and Sophie and her dad have made some cookies to take upstairs. Like most kids, Sophie loves elevators, and readily pushes the button for the tenth floor, but on the way the elevator stops at every floor heading up and a new neighbor - or set of neighbors - gets on, bearing treats or decorations for Olive's party as well! Soon the elevator goes from crowded to packed to overstuffed, nearly bursting with color and laughter (thanks to Charlene Chua's wonderful artwork) and people and pets, as everyone heads up to celebrate Olive's birthday - in the end, the reader finally finding out who the very popular Olive is. This charming and lively book should easily appeal to young kids, especially those living in bigger cities because Chua's illustrations beautifully reflect the multicultural diversity one can expect living in such an apartment building. Full of life, love and good food, Going Up! is a picture book that reflects a world where everyone belongs, and everyone is called a friend. (Note: the book itself is taller and narrower than your average picture book, giving even more of an impression of a rising elevator.) (Available April 7th)  4/5 stars

NOTE: I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.