Let’s Do Everything and Nothing

Togetherness is at the heart of this serene book by Kuo, making her solo debut. Framed by a series of single-sentence invitations (“Will you climb a hill with me?”) and stated plans (“We’ll follow trails on summer nights”), the book pictures an adult and child, cued as of Taiwanese heritage, together experiencing the mundane and the adventurous. Kuo’s distinctive digital illustrations, both delicate and bold, pop off the page, relying on a rich palette of coral, cornflower blue, and marigold hues. At first composed of lofty scenes that see the pair ascending a snowy summit and swimming among stingray-filled ocean depths, the story eventually turns domestic, foregrounding bath time and snacks including tea, oranges, and a bag of shrimp chips. As the companions “watch the shadows stretch,” and comfortably “do everything and nothing,” they enjoy each other’s company with a resounding and loving intimacy. Ages 3–6. (Mar.)