8Books Review: Let’s Do Everything and Nothing by Julia Kuo

Let’s Do Everything and Nothing is a lusciously illustrated children’s book by Julia Kuo about spending time with loved ones. It celebrates the big moments–like climbing a mountain–and the little ones–like quiet time at home. It features what I first assumed was a mother and daughter, but then realized could be an older and younger sister, an aunt and niece, cousins, the list goes on. From page to page, the two do everything together, enjoying each other’s presence. It’s a simple but important message.

Short and lyrical prose guides readers through, leaving ample room to enjoy the gorgeous drawings. Kuo also incorporated some lovely little elements of Chinese culture into some of the scenes, like the upside-down “fu” at home and the shrimp chips in the snack array.

Before I’d even had a chance to crack the spine, my mom had read this to my daughter, and when she finished, she said, “this is a good book.” And now that I’ve read it, I wholeheartedly agree. So at least from this house, Let’s Do Everything and Nothing has three generations of approval.