How Do You Do?

PreS-Gr 1— Water Buffalo and Crane spend their uneventful days together in tedious tropical heat. Their lethargy and routine never change until the day they hear a strange voice asking "How do you do?" Crane is quick to welcome the frisky newcomer, Goat, while Water Buffalo reluctantly but slowly begins to enjoy the change of pace as the three frolic together. At the same time Goat arrives, so does a gentle rain. Trees and flowers soak in the moisture as leaves and blossoms are rejuvenated. Large gouache illustrations on watercolor paper reveal the changes in the landscape and in the friends' attitudes as they open their minds and hearts. When Goat moves on, Water Buffalo and Crane take what they've learned from her and reach out to befriend other animals. The engaging pictures show the change from the arid heat and drooping plants to a revitalized and verdant meadow. "Do you know, meeting someone new makes the world feel not so …small."