Just What to Do

April 8, 2024
Faced with family and friends who’ve experienced loss, the young narrator of this heartfelt story by Lukoff (Awake, Asleep) tries to comfort them. Each time, the child thinks they know “just what to do,” and each time, the individual requires something different. When the narrator’s brother’s cactus dies, the protagonist offers him a handmade condolence card. “Could you tell me a joke instead? I really want to laugh,” the brother responds. But after a cousin’s goldfish dies, and the narrator tries a joke, the cousin asks for a hug. And when hugged, a teacher who just lost her hamster responds, “Thanks, but I’m okay! Will you help me pass out snack?” So when their best friend’s grandmother dies, the narrator is unsure how to react. “Can you tell me what to do?” they ask. “I don’t know how to help.” And the two, together, find an elegant way to commemorate the loss. Tahboub (Kevin Goes First) contributes digitally created spreads and vignettes whose small-scale figures suggest sweet vulnerability throughout this work, which hints at people’s different experiences of loss, and suggests that asking instead of assuming may open the door to deeper companionship. The protagonists are portrayed with pale skin; secondary characters are shown with various skin tones. Ages 3–7. Author’s agent: Saba Sulaiman, Talcott Notch Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House.

May 1, 2024
How does one face a problem so big it dwarfs its little protagonist? A child confidently assures us that when "my brother's cactus died, I knew just what to do." The child proudly holds up a handmade "Sorry for your loss" card, but the brother instead asks for a joke to make him laugh. The young narrator makes the logical conclusion that that must be what everyone needs when coping with loss. But when the child's cousin's goldfish dies, she wants a hug instead of a giggle. With each person's loss, be it a teacher's hamster or a babysitter's dog, what they need changes. Later, the child's best friend's grandma dies, and the protagonist, unsure what to do, opts for honesty. "Can you tell me what to do? I don't know how to help." She isn't sure, so the two figure it out while spending time together. Both Newbery Honoree Lukoff's text and Tahboub's illustrations convey a stillness that will make this often-difficult topic comprehensible to a young audience. With its emphasis on being there and listening to what people need in times of sorrow, this book is the perfect complement to Cori Doerrfeld's The Rabbit Listened (2018). The ultimate message that there is no certainty when it comes to grief complements the minimalist art. A lesson here for adults and children alike, if only people listen. (Picture book. 4-7)

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Starred review from May 1, 2024

PreS-Gr 3-Handling death and grief in a gentle and tender manner, Lukoff's newest picture book explores the innate need many of us have to fix the problems of the ones we love the most. The protagonist, a young child, tries many different things to cheer up those closest to them when they lose their beloved plant or pet. Over time they discover that grief isn't one-size-fits-all, and the thing that cheers up one loved one may not help another. When the protagonist's friend loses their grandma, they realize that simply being present and asking how they can be most helpful is the best they can do for a loved one experiencing grief. Combined with Tahboub's adorable and expressive illustrations, children will be newly tuned in to the many complexities of grief. Adults will also be charmed by this. VERDICT A beautiful story that should be sitting on the shelves of school counselors and child therapists everywhere.-Lauren White

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2024
Preschool-Grade 2 This tender and insightful picture book navigates the delicate subject of grief through the eyes of a young boy. He learns how to support others after they lose someone or something important to them--his brother mourns a dying cactus, his cousin grieves a goldfish, his teacher loses a class hamster, his babysitter laments her dog, and his best friend deals with the death of her grandmother. Lukoff's narrative is sensitive, simple to grasp, and age appropriate on the nuances of offering emotional support while imparting a profound lesson in empathy through a simple storyline. The story highlights the importance of listening and being there for others as they navigate their emotions. Tahboub's illustrations, characterized by ample empty space, effectively highlight moments of connection and learning. Minimalist scenes ensure the focus remains on the characters and their emotions, facilitating a deeper understanding of the story's message. This book could be an integral part of a reader's journey to developing emotional intelligence and compassion at a young age.

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