WILL WE ALWAYS HOLD HANDS by Christopher Cheng and Stephen Michael King
After I read a good book with my son, he’ll often say, “you should write about that one in your review.” Inevitably, something comes up or I’ll have a more timely book I want to review, and he’ll ask why I didn’t write about his suggestions.
I am happy to say that his time has come! His first suggestion (which I wholeheartedly agree with) is Christopher Cheng and Stephen Michael King’s 2022 picture book WILL WE ALWAYS HOLD HANDS? This sweet picture book features a loving friendship between a panda and a rat. This book follows the pattern of other heartwarming stories on unconditional love, like LOVE YOU FOREVER or THE RUNAWAY BUNNY while managing to feel fresh. While on a trip out in nature, Rat presents Panda with a series of hypothetical scenarios that could make Panda want to let go of Rat’s hand: when Rat is sick, when Rat is cranky and hurt, and, finally, when Rat has to go away for a long time. Each time, Panda promises to hold Rat’s hand. Although Cheng and King’s book is a perfect read aloud for younger children, it shines a light on a universal fear: being unworthy of love. When Rat asks, toward the end of his questioning, “what if I do something really really bad?,” I thought I might cry. Of course, Rat isn’t asking about something as simple as holding hands. Rat wants Panda to say, “I will love you no matter what.” When Panda does say as much, it might bring a tear to your eyes, too.
Cheng’s story is poignant without being saccharine, and simple while still holding emotional weight. King’s watercolor and pencil illustrations have the same effect. Panda and Rat are primarily white, black, and shades of gray, and their soft, sketch-like quality adds to the vulnerability of the story. Pops of color appear in small forms: Panda’s bright red umbrella, Rat’s yellow umbrella, and the blue winter sky. King effectively illuminates the tumultuousness of the world around through blowing leaves and waving grass, thereby highlighting the stability of Panda and Rat’s friendship.
WILL WE ALWAYS HOLD HANDS? would be great for a storytime, a bedtime read, or a gift to your favorite young reader. It was a gift to my favorite reader, and it is now a favorite for our whole family.
