PreS-Gr 3— Handling death and grief in a gentle and tender manner, Lukoff's newest picture book explores the innate need many of us have to fix the problems of the ones we love the most. The protagonist, a young child, tries many different things to cheer up those closest to them when they lose their beloved plant or pet. Over time they discover that grief isn't one-size-fits-all, and the thing that cheers up one loved one may not help another. When the protagonist's friend loses their grandma, they realize that simply being present and asking how they can be most helpful is the best they can do for a loved one experiencing grief. Combined with Tahboub's adorable and expressive illustrations, children will be newly tuned in to the many complexities of grief. Adults will also be charmed by this. VERDICT A beautiful story that should be sitting on the shelves of school counselors and child therapists everywhere.— Lauren White

How does one face a problem so big it dwarfs its little protagonist?A child confidently assures us that when "my brother's cactus died, I knew just what to do." The child proudly holds up a handmade "Sorry for your loss" card, but the brother instead asks for a joke to make him laugh. The young narrator makes the logical conclusion that that must be what everyone needs when coping with loss. But when the child's cousin's goldfish dies, she wants a hug instead of a giggle. With each person's loss, be it a teacher's hamster or a babysitter's dog, what they need changes. Later, the child's best friend's grandma dies, and the protagonist, unsure what to do, opts for honesty. "Can you tell me what to do? I don't know how to help." She isn't sure, so the two figure it out while spending time together. Both Newbery Honoree Lukoff's text and Tahboub's illustrations convey a stillness that will make this often-difficult topic comprehensible to a young audience. With its emphasis on being there and listening to what people need in times of sorrow, this book is the perfect complement to Cori Doerrfeld's The Rabbit Listened (2018). The ultimate message that there is no certainty when it comes to grief complements the minimalist art.A lesson here for adults and children alike, if only people listen. (Picture book. 4-7)