Why?

A little white rabbit is always asking, "Why?"--to which his kind, even-tempered bear friend usually has a simple but satisfying response. "Why?" the rabbit asks, watching the bear water a patch of blooms. "Because flowers need water to grow," the bear replies. Seasonal watercolor spreads by Seeger (Blue) are idyllic; the bear, painted in radiant, translucent oranges and browns, is patient but not paternal, which grants the small wiry rabbit a modicum of independence. But when winter arrives and the latter finds a dead cardinal in the snow--a startling but beautiful image--the refrain suddenly becomes too big for even the massive bear: "I don't know why. Sometimes I just don't know why," it says, trudging away to hibernate. Coming full circle, the rabbit asks its friend to stay ("Why?" the bear asks. "Because then I would miss my friend.... That's why") and patiently keeps watch while the bear sleeps. But the ending feels more flat than uplifting, and readers may not be able to get past rabbit's toddlerlike querying habit to appreciate its fondness for its friend. Ages 4-8. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Aug.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 1--"'Why?' asked the rabbit," as a honey colored bear placidly waters the flowers, "'Because flowers need water to grow.'" And so the story progresses; Bear acts, Rabbit wonders, and Bear provides straightforward explanations. The text and illustrations must be interpreted together for readers to understand the context of the question--sometimes to humorous effect, such as the spread that shows Rabbit poking out of a hole while Bear explains, "Because I am way too big to fit." The larger font used for Rabbit's "Why?" conveys the inescapable intensity of the little creature's persistent questioning. Seasons change, and the questions come faster and faster, outpacing Bear's answers until a dead bird in the snow prompts the gentle giant to answer, "I don't know why. Sometimes I just don't know why!" Bear turns to leave, Rabbit chases after. '"Don't go, ' said the rabbit.'" And the tables are turned as Bear is the one asking why while Rabbit explains, "Because then I would miss my friend." Readers see through the illustrations that it's time for Bear to hibernate, but are reassured that the friendship will last as Rabbit watches over Bear's wintery cave. Seeger's slightly anthropomorphized characters eloquently convey their feelings through body language. VERDICT Illustrations and text meld to provide a rich one-on-one reading experience that will be particularly resonate for any adult who has cared for a child in the 'why' phase.--Anna Haase Krueger, Ramsey County Library, MN

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

★ "One of Seeger's great talents is distilling a child's concerns to their essence. . . . This celebration of friendship, which Seeger moves seamlessly through the seasons, gives children the opportunity to intuit that, while things change, there is also stability in love and relationships. A poignant ending reiterates that bond, which will be touching for children who like to ask plenty of questions and for the adults on whose laps they sit."—Booklist, Starred Review

★ A patient bear deftly answers most of a childlike rabbit's many 'whys.' . . . Not all questions can be answered, but the communion of friendship lights much of life's path."—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

"a rich one-on-one reading experience that will be particularly resonate for any adult who has cared for a child in the 'why' phase."—School Library Journal

"The soft, dappled watercolors and furrily sketched linework make for utterly huggable illustrations, with the big cinnamon bear a velvety, comforting presence as the wee white bunny gambols lamblike through the pages. . . . its endearing charm will ensure solid lapsit cuddles."—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

★ "This reassuring tale, rendered via watercolors on a lush, green palette, isn't afraid to ask the hard questions (or in this case, one big question), suggesting that love can persist in the face of loss. Even young readers who have yet to experience loss will find resonance in this quiet story in which answers may not come easy—but steadfastness does."—BookPage, Starred Review

★ "Seeger's prose is sparse, but the story's impact is vast. Her beautifully detailed watercolor illustrations feature expertly blended soft colors, creating an inviting trek through woodlands—the lush textures of grass, wonderfully puffy clouds and snow make the feel of nature almost palpable. And bear and rabbit each exhibit extensive emotions through subtle, soulful facial expressions. While Seeger's animals may not always know the answer to the age-old question, readers are sure to find plenty of reasons to adore this charming picture book. An excellent option for story time, Seeger's Why? invites audiences of any age to interact with bear and rabbit as well as their rich habitat. Why? It's delightful. 'That's why.'"—Shelf Awareness, Starred Review