How do you do? by Larissa Theule, illustrated by Gianna Marino

This isn't the usual type of picture book I like - or even read - but I've come to expect something different from each book Gianna Marino writes or illustrates and this pairing with a debut picture book author (Theule has a previous credit for a middle grade novel and a second picture book being released in April 2019) is an excellent combination.

It's hot. Blazing orange and yellow backgrounds show weary Water Buffalo and dropping Crane on a small, orange globe. The trees are dead, the flowers droop, everything is hot. Nothing changes, there is only the endless heat.

Then someone new appears. Goat. Goat says only, "How do you do?" and begins dancing, but it changes everything. The others join in and they dance around their tiny globe, kicking up their heels and watching the earth turn green and beautiful again. Is the rain real or only metaphorical? Either way, Water Buffalo and Crane have experienced a change of heart and they see new beauty in their world.

Verdict: The beautiful language and glowing colors make this a thoughtful and unique story to read aloud or pore over with a special child.

ISBN: 9781523503544; Published January 2019 by Bloomsbury; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library