Why by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Why? Why? Why? | Why? Is there an adult who has not been on the receiving end of the one-word question that is frequently posited by youngsters? Vaccaro Seeger considers a youngster’s desire to understand the world by asking incessant questions.This picture book breaks with the conventional querying child trope, taking an unexpected story path. Title page features a frisky young bunny, scampering after a lumbering old bear. Successive pages follow the rabbit as it observes the bear engaging in simple activities: watering flowers, viewing the stars, stopping for a snack. Always rabbit asks "Why?' The massive friend patiently responds to each query with a gentle explanation. Time passes. Seasons change. The questions persist. |
At this point, the story structure shifts. For rabbit's latest question, there is no definitive answer. Bear responds. "I don't know why. Sometimes I just don't know why!" The bear moves on and rabbit is silent. Now it is bear's turn to stop and inquire. A two-page spread zooms in for a close-up as treasured friends regard one another, pausing to reflect on an answer. It's a tender moment. | |