Ask Me

There’s more to this idyllic view of an ambling, chatting father-and-daughter pair than meets the eye; the queries and responses they share capture the kind of give-and-take that gradually refine a small child’s language: “Ask me what I like.” “What do you like?”…“I like bugs.” “Insects?” “No, bugs. I like butterflies. And lightning bugs.” “Fireflies?” “No, lightning bugs.” Meanwhile, the two explore wildlife and words with equal contentment: “And I like flowers. No, I love flowers. Bees love flowers too. Right?” “Right.” Their walk takes them through a park, a playground, past a fountain, through some woods, and back home again. The sight of a merry-go-round prompts a conversation about horses; a sandbox recalls a beach. “What else do you like?” elicits the more general “red” and “rain,” which in turn leads to making up words (“splooshing”), to telling stories, and to the future (next Thursday’s much-anticipated birthday). With a spare, informal colored-pencil line; imagination-welcoming white space; and a grand eye for color, action, and witty detail, Lee depicts the two companionable figures in a landscape littered with crayon-bright autumn leaves, their stances relaxed and affectionate whether she’s perched on his shoulders enjoying an ice cream or, back home, getting a last good-night kiss. This vicarious outing is an excellent model of one-on-one interaction that might inspire young listeners to form their own questions. An easy text for new readers, it could also help tuck in a toddler with a sweet good night. joanna rudge long

On their walk through a park, a playground, woods, and then back home, a father-and-daughter pair shares the kind of queries and responses that gradually refine a small child's language: "'I like bugs.' 'Insects?' 'No, bugs.'" They explore wildlife and words with equal contentment. Lee's illustrations feature a spare colored-pencil line; imagination-welcoming white space; and a grand eye for color, action, and detail.