Just What to Do by Kyle Lukoff (review)

Reviewed by: Just What to Do by Kyle Lukoff Kate Quealy-Gainer Lukoff, Kyle Just What to Do; illus. by Hala Tahboub. Dial, 2024 40p Trade ed. ISBN 9780593462942 18. 99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780593462959 10. 99 Reviewed from digital galleys R 4-7 yrs When the narrator's brother's cactus dies, the child knows just what to do—but it turns out that big brother needs a joke more than the drawing the narrator was going to offer up. Always one to learn new things, kiddo is now certain how to comfort their cousin when her goldfish dies, but she would prefer a hug over a joke. When the class pet dies, the narrator gives their teacher a big hug, but she's actually okay and just needs help with snacks. On it goes as the narrator learns different ways people receive comfort, but when the grandmother of their best friend dies, the child is at a loss. Their best pal doesn't seem to know what she needs either, so the two try to figure it out together, eventually making garlands of flowers and laying them on the picture of grandma. The text is quiet and spare, perfectly capturing a young child's thought process of moving through increasingly tricky emotional situations that aren't easy to prepare for, especially around grief and loss. The illustrations are equally minimal, with most scenes set against clean, white backgrounds, keeping the focus on the kid and the various grievers, while delicate, thin linework and watercolor-like textures maintain a soft, steady presence. The eruption of color in the detailed flower garland in the final scene feels cathartic, a moment of joy and remembrance and a celebration of memory and friendship. Keep this in mind for the empathetic kid who's trying to do right by a friend going through a rough time. End Page 367 Copyright © 2024 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois