HELLO SOMETIMES

In this picture book for preschoolers, a child views his daily life during the pandemic.

Vatner’s charming, read-aloud board book acknowledges that kids may feel unsettled as their familiar routines are disrupted by safety precautions against Covid-19. The rhythmic text offers them a comforting perspective about change. In the story, a Black child, pictured in artist Svenningsen’s whimsical scenes of daily life from morning to bedtime, reasons through how things are “sometimes” different day to day, depending on the circumstances. The boy accepts those variations even if he feels that “sometimes” can be a bit tiresome. “Sometimes it’s hot. Sometimes it’s cool,” the boy says, shown playing ball at the beach in the summer and skating in the winter. “Sometimes I walk,” he says, climbing the stairs, and “sometimes” he takes the elevator. “Sometimes” he travels by car or bus; “sometimes” learning happens at school or in front of a computer at home. When the boy can’t converse with friends or family in person, he notes, he talks to them on his phone. (A grandparent is pictured on a phone screen.) The author’s matter-of-fact approach and the simplicity of the text strike a soothing note. Svenningsen’s colorful illustrations depicting the boy’s family and diverse community are lively with small details for children to pore over. (The boy’s toy tiger and goofy pet dog can be spotted throughout the book, for instance.)

A reassuring and relatable message tailored to kids and delivered with endearing visual appeal.