Elizabeth Pulsford (text) and Francisco Foseca (illustrator), But Why?, Ethicool Books, June 2022, 32 pp., RRP $22.00 (pbk), ISBN 9780648872382
Hazel the Hare hops around the forest asking every creature she meets leading questions about their motivations in life. For example, she asks an elephant, Where do you find the wisdom to command yourself with grace? A lemur, Where do you find such joy that you can always wear a smile?
This is a large-format picture book, written in verse, set in a generous size type, and copiously illustrated. However, most of the concepts that the book explores are hardly those common to young children and, while it is always good to introduce young readers to unusual words, some of the language is too sophisticated and the meaning not always easy to guess from the context. For example, ‘inclines’, and ‘bemuse’. The moon has the final say, wisely advising Hazel, … but some questions don’t have answers. They are lessons we must live.
For older children, studying this picture book would provide the basis for some thought-provoking discussion – but the usual picture book readers of 3-6 might not appreciate its deep dive into such abstract concepts.
Reviewed by Elizabeth Douglas
