Just What to Do

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. (July)