How Do You Do?

As the sun bakes the Earth--yellow-washed opening pages by Marino render the heat-induced languor palpable--Water Buffalo and Crane are consumed by their own despair. Then Goat bounds onto the scene with a "How do you do?" and a friendly lick that makes Crane beam. Goat begins to dance "as sudden as summer rain" and the curmudgeonly Water Buffalo snorts but can't resist dancing, too, "on through the bushes,/ on through the trees,/ on to the next field over." Framing by Marino (Night Animals) turns equally playful as the characters cavort around a newly green and flowering planet. When Goat runs off in pursuit of a butterfly, Water Buffalo and Crane don't lapse back into Godot-like misery; instead, they notice the beauty of their surroundings and extend salutations to the animals they now see around them as the lens pulls back, bringing more and more of the planet into view. Theule's story is not without bumpy spots; it's not clear whether the rain Goat brings is a metaphor, and readers may wonder why the funny, charismatic animal vanishes without even a goodbye, but the point is well taken: new acquaintances can help "the world feel not so--hot... Nor so small." Ages 3-6. (Jan.)

PreS-Gr 1-- Water Buffalo and Crane spend their uneventful days together in tedious tropical heat. Their lethargy and routine never change until the day they hear a strange voice asking "How do you do?" Crane is quick to welcome the frisky newcomer, Goat, while Water Buffalo reluctantly but slowly begins to enjoy the change of pace as the three frolic together. At the same time Goat arrives, so does a gentle rain. Trees and flowers soak in the moisture as leaves and blossoms are rejuvenated. Large gouache illustrations on watercolor paper reveal the changes in the landscape and in the friends' attitudes as they open their minds and hearts. When Goat moves on, Water Buffalo and Crane take what they've learned from her and reach out to befriend other animals. The engaging pictures show the change from the arid heat and drooping plants to a revitalized and verdant meadow. "Do you know, meeting someone new makes the world feel not so ...small." VERDICT Great for sharing one-on-one or in a storytime on how to make friends.--Maryann H. Owen, Oak Creek Public Library WI

"The story is serious about its shift from glum to optimistic, but the background colors and the animals' humorous expressions keep it light throughout—anyone who's needed this kind of intervention will relate." —Kirkus Reviews

"The point is well taken: new acquaintances can help 'the world feel not so-hot . . . Nor so small.'" —Publishers Weekly

"Joyful. . . . Join to titles like Karen Hesse's Come On, Rain! (1999) or Nina Crews' One Hot Summer Day (1995) for a storytime heat wave." —Booklist

"Great for sharing one-on-one or in a storytime on how to make friends." —School Library Journal