WHAT AM I GONNA DO WITH YOU?

In Germany’s picture book, three young children grow up secure in the love of their parents.

“When you wake and still feel sleepy,” says the mother to her youngest daughter, “When it’s dark and things seem creepy, / What am I gonna do with you? / Hug you! Kiss you! Love you!” This latter refrain is repeated throughout the book—it’s the prescribed response when anything goes wrong, like when the son falls out of a tree or off his bike, or when the oldest daughter suffers from stage fright. The words are also repeated when the kids model good behavior, cleaning their rooms or playing nicely with their friends. Germany preaches a message of unconditional love as he renders everyday parenting situations in natural meter and rhyme. Muhtadi’s illustrations depict a white family whose mother is slightly more prominent than the father in interacting with the children. The pictures make delightful use of color and texture, providing uncluttered, vivid contrasts and capturing both energy and emotion. (The dark, creepy night scene, with the owl outside and the crazy green moon, is especially effective.) The text is afforded plenty of space, and the repetition (“What am I gonna do with you? Hug you! Kiss you! Love you!”) will draw readers along to the perfectly pitched conclusion. A lovely book for parents to share with their children.

An uncomplicated story with a simple, wholesome message.