Kyle Lukoff Writes about Feelings

On this week’s trip to the library, I found two wonderful picture books by Kyle Lukoff — one illustrated by Hala Tahboub; the other by Julie Kwon — that I wanted to shout out. Lukoff is also the author of middle grade novels like Different Kinds of Fruit. Both of these picture books will help humans of any age think and feel.

Just What to Do by Kyle Lukoff and Hala Tahboub (2024)

The sweet main character of this book is deeply empathetic to the people around them and wants to help when they are hurting. Whether the sadness is prompted by the loss of a plant, pet, or person, they attempt to provide comfort through drawings, hugs, snacks, and more. But sometimes the person grieving asks for something else. Ultimately the character and the reader learn that the best thing is to be there for someone grieving. Tahboub’s strategically sparse illustrations put the focus on the people and the feelings.

I’m Sorry You Got Mad by Kyle Lukoff and Julie Kwon (2024)

You know those fake apologies people give: “I’m sorry if that bothered you” and so on? Thanks to Jack’s teacher Ms. Rice, he’ll probably never use that approach again. Told entirely in drafts of apologetic notes, this book shows the teacher coaching Jack through how to truly apologize. There’s even a metric for us — a real apology should say what you did, that you’re sorry, and that you’ll help to fix the situation. While Jack struggles to get the words right, Kwon’s illustrations show life in the classroom, with its mess, noise, and budding friendships. There are some grownups I’d like to give this book to, but for now, I’ll just write about it here and see what happens. : )