THANK YOU!
From the Animal Sounds series
by Ethan Long ; illustrated by Ethan Long
Various animals, a toddler, and a grown-up model gratitude.
After each creature sees generosity in action, the critter pays it forward. A cat offers a dog a ball, the same dog gives a hummingbird a flower, and this bird passes a shoot of bamboo to a panda. Each animal responds to the kindness with its signature sound (“Bark bark!” “Hum hum!” and “Growl growl!” respectively). These karmic acts of giving come full circle as the cat that started it all receives a ball of yarn from a pig. On the penultimate double-page spread, a black-haired, dark-eyed, light-brown–skinned youngster reflects on the generosity readers have just witnessed. In the end, the child sits down to a meal with a “Thank You!” and a caregiver responds with a pleased “You’re welcome!” Long’s cartoon characters, with endearingly large eyes and gleeful grins, cleverly reach through panels and even across gutters to share items with their fellows. The art, which looks to be digital, employs a slightly rough edge, giving the flat imagery some needed texture.
This is lighthearted, playful, and accessible etiquette for the youngest readers.
(Board book. 2-4)