Meghan Wilson Duff, PsyD, wanted to be a marine biologist when they grew up, but got distracted trying to figure out people. They currently teach in the Psychology & Community Studies program at University of Maine at Machias. Prior to teaching, Meghan worked as a clinical psychologist supporting children and families. This is their first children's book. They live in Machias, Maine. Visit meghanwilsonduff.com.

Taylor Barron graduated with a Bachelor's of Fine Art in Digital Art and Animation from DigiPen Institute of Technology. Her focus is in illustration, murals, character design, background painting, and concept art. She lives in Paris, France. Visit taylorbarron.com and @TBearDraws on Instagram.

Verity must navigate the titular question's multiple social meanings in this personal-feeling story, which draws on the author's experiences. In neighborhood settings, community members portrayed with varying skin tones ask brown-skinned, bespectacled Verity, "How are you?" and the exuberant child responds at length with information about sea creatures. When big brother John observes that the question is generally considered a greeting rather than an invitation for elaboration, Verity experiments with the concept. The exercise grows more complex when a canceled field trip to the aquarium leaves Verity feeling down, prompting a sincere version of the query from John--and provoking a heart-to-heart that revives the protagonist. Barron's flattened, unlined renderings stylishly play with shape, pattern, and, aptly, perspective. An author's note from Wilson Duff discusses neurodiversity. Ages 4-8. -- "Publishers Weekly"

Publisher: Magination Press

Pub date: 2023-08-22

Length: 32 pages