What’s That For? A Picture Book
What’s That For? by Vanessa Bergeron and illustrated by Virginie Lacoste will be released on May 5, 2026 in the United States.
What’s That For? is a picture book for every kid who is curious. This one is for the kids who ask, “Why?” 100 times a day and of course, “What’s that for?”
This picture book will inspire future artists and storytellers. I loved how What’s That For? focused on everyday curiosity. Often books about innovation or questioning might pigeon-hole kids into a specific career, but this book shows the wonder and inquiry that can be a part of daily life for children and the adults who take the time to pause and wonder with them. It might also empower you to imagine different uses for everyday things as an imagination exercise with your children, students, or whoever you are reading the book with.
Lulu’s character was cute, curious, and relatable. Lots of kids will enjoy following her story. A lot of books follow mother-child or parent-child relationships, so I loved that this book focused on Aunt Nadia and Lulu at first. Readers can see the different types of important relationships in a child’s life.
The illustrations were colorful, fun, and whimsical. I think they would spark the imagination of many readers. My only critique is that I would prefer slightly bigger, bolder font and ensure the font is high-contrast to the background. I also think it would be cool if there was an endnote that shared the true purpose of everyday objects, like fire hydrants, with some fun facts about their original or real uses, not the imagined uses in the story.
As a parent, English teacher, and professor of literacy education and elementary-grade teachers, I read a lot of picture books.
Thank you to Chouette Publishing - Caillou, CrackBoom! Books, and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
