WHY?
Written and illustrated by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
A Neal Porter Book/Holiday House/August 2019
A plucky rabbit is endlessly fascinated by everything his friend, a bear, is up to. Whether it’s watering flowers, stargazing, or snacking on some honey, he asks the unchanging, inevitable question:
Why?
But sometimes, his friend just doesn’t know why.
From the two-time Caldecott and Geisel Honor Book winner, Laura Vaccaro Seeger comes this disarmingly simple story about a rabbit eager to understand everything about the world around him, and his patient friend who usually, but not always, has all the answers.
(awards)
Society of Illustrators Original Art Exhibit Selection, 2019/2020
American Library Association Children’s Notable Book, 2020
CCBC Choices Best Books of 2020
(reviews)
starred review/Booklist
“One of Seeger's great talents is distilling a child's concerns to their essence… Lovely, focused watercolor illustrations… 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.”
starred review/Kirkus
“Seeger’s patterned text invites readers to tease out what the friends’ spare conversation leaves unsaid, scanning for clues among the pictures. Comic moments… poignant… communion of friendship lights much of life’s path.”
starred review/Shelf Awareness
“…Satisfying, touching, delightful… the story's impact is vast… 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… readers are sure to find plenty of reasons to adore this charming picture book.”
School Library Journal
“Seeger’s slightly anthropomorphized characters eloquently convey their feelings through body language… 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.”
starred review/BookPage
“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.”
Publishers Weekly
”Satisfying, idyllic, radiant, translucent, beautiful…”
recommended book/BCCB - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
”Tender… concise… sweet… The soft, dappled watercolors and furrily sketched linework make for utterly huggable illustrations… Its endearing charm will ensure solid lapsit cuddles.”
CBC - Children’s Book Council - Bulletin
”…a disarmingly simple story about the lovable characters Bear and the unfailingly curious Rabbit… In this beautifully produced, tactile book with hugely expressive characters, Laura Vaccaro Seeger both departs from her signature style by dabbling for the first time in watercolor and creates a simple and engaging story with big emotional impact.”