Book Buzz: How Do You Do?
How Do You Do?
Written by Larissa Theule, Illustrated by Gianna Marino
Ages 4-7, Bloomsbury Children’s Books
The day-to-day grind of schoolwork can become boring sometimes. Even the warm days of summer can get pretty monotonous. They seem to go on forever. Nothing new is happening. Time for a change.
Take Water Buffalo and Crane for example. The days are hot, insufferable, long and predictable. A sort of malaise is creeping in. Time itself seems to stand still.
Then, a new friend, Goat, appears. Goat politely greets the two with a lick on the Water Buffalo’s nose and Crane’s head. Then a change takes place… Goat begins to dance. This is a big change in the dull and drab daily routine of Water Buffalo and Crane. Crane takes quickly to Goat’s enthusiasm for life, but Water Buffalo is a little weary. They prance across the field as they follow Goat and Water Buffalo finally gives in to the frivolity. With a new view on life, Water Buffalo and Crane begin to notice the natural setting around them and appreciate it more.
Soon, Goat stops dancing. With a kick of his hind legs, Goat takes off and grows smaller with distance. Water Buffalo and Crane are stunned as the sameness as their world returns to normal and quiet sets in. But is it the same? They sun winks between the leaves. They hadn’t noticed that before. The world seemed brighter. The butterflies and flowers more beautiful. There was a lightness in their hearts. They had completely forgotten about the heat. Their new friend had brought a fresh perspective to their world.
Marino’s illustrations are fun, bright and engaging. Beginning with somewhat muted colors, the scenes transform into a luminous world of wonder. Even the trees seem to be in full bloom after Goat enters their lives.
As children wind down the school year, vacations and summer camps become new opportunities for them to have new experiences with new friends. Give them the opportunity to explore, grow, and learn not only through reading, but through new life experiences as well.
