Book Review: What Are We Doing Today?

Written by Mr. Luke | Illustrated by Chris Kennett

Children’s picture books often hold the magic of transforming everyday moments into extraordinary adventures, and What Are We Doing Today? by Mr. Luke is no exception. Paired with the vibrant and whimsical illustrations of Chris Kennett, this book is a delightful exploration of curiosity, imagination, and the joys of everyday life. It’s a treasure trove for children and their caregivers, sparking inspiration for quality time and creative play.

About the Author

Mr. Luke is a well-known figure on TikTok, where he shares relatable, heartwarming, and often humorous content about teaching, parenting, and everyday life. His online presence has earned him a dedicated following, thanks to his authentic and uplifting approach to storytelling. Beyond his social media fame, Mr. Luke is a passionate primary school teacher based in Adelaide, Australia. His experiences in the classroom inspire his writing, as he strives to create stories that resonate with children and encourage their creativity and curiosity. In What Are We Doing Today?, he combines his love for teaching and storytelling to craft a book that is both entertaining and meaningful for young readers.

About the Illustrator

Chris Kennett’s illustrations bring What Are We Doing Today? to life with a blend of vibrant colors, playful designs, and expressive characters. Kennett, renowned for his work on children’s books and animated projects, has a knack for capturing the energy and wonder of childhood. His art style complements Mr. Luke’s text beautifully, making every page visually captivating.

Synopsis

What Are We Doing Today? follows the daily musings of a curious child who wakes up every morning eager to discover the possibilities of the day. The book celebrates the excitement of ordinary activities—be it building forts, baking cookies, exploring the outdoors, or simply spending time with family. Each page unfolds a new adventure, illustrating how even the simplest moments can be filled with joy and creativity when seen through the eyes of a child.

The narrative is structured as a series of questions posed by the child, inviting readers to engage their own imaginations:

  • "Are we climbing mountains, or are we digging for treasure?"
  • "Are we painting masterpieces, or are we dancing in the rain?"

Through these playful queries, the story emphasizes the limitless potential of a day, encouraging readers to embrace spontaneity and creativity.

Themes Explored

  1. Imagination and Creativity
    The book celebrates the boundless imagination of children. It demonstrates how even mundane activities can become magical adventures with the right mindset.

  2. Family and Togetherness
    Many of the activities in the book involve spending time with loved ones, underscoring the importance of shared experiences and connection.

  3. Curiosity and Discovery
    The child’s constant questioning reflects an innate curiosity about the world, inspiring readers to explore their surroundings with fresh eyes.

  4. Gratitude for Everyday Moments
    What Are We Doing Today? reminds readers that joy can be found in the simplest activities, encouraging mindfulness and gratitude.

Illustrations: A Feast for the Eyes

Chris Kennett’s artwork is a standout feature of the book. Each page bursts with energy, thanks to his vibrant color palette and dynamic compositions. Kennett’s ability to convey emotion through expressive characters adds depth to the story. Whether it’s the joy of splashing in puddles or the concentration of baking cookies, his illustrations perfectly capture the essence of childhood wonder.

The diversity in the characters and settings is another highlight, ensuring that readers from various backgrounds can see themselves represented in the story. Kennett also includes delightful details in the backgrounds, inviting readers to linger on each page and discover something new with every read.

Writing Style

Mr. Luke’s writing is simple yet poetic, making it accessible for young readers while still resonating with adults. The use of repetitive questions creates a rhythmic flow, making the book ideal for read-aloud sessions. The language is playful and engaging, sparking curiosity and encouraging children to imagine their own answers to the questions posed.

Highlights

  • Interactive Reading Experience: The book’s structure invites children to actively participate, answering the questions or imagining their own adventures.
  • Timeless Activities: The story emphasizes activities that don’t rely on screens or technology, promoting hands-on, imaginative play.
  • Balance of Humor and Heart: Mr. Luke weaves humor into the narrative while maintaining an underlying warmth and sincerity.

Key Messages

  • Seize the Day: Each day holds endless possibilities for adventure, learning, and connection.
  • Celebrate the Small Moments: Sometimes, the simplest activities create the most meaningful memories.
  • Foster Creativity: Imagination is a powerful tool that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Critique

While What Are We Doing Today? is a near-perfect picture book, one minor critique is that some of the transitions between activities could feel abrupt. A little more narrative connectivity between the pages might enhance the flow of the story. However, this doesn’t detract from the overall charm and effectiveness of the book.

Who Should Read This Book?

  • Young Children (Ages 3–7): The book’s engaging questions and bright illustrations make it ideal for this age group.
  • Parents and Caregivers: It provides inspiration for activities to do with children, emphasizing the value of quality time.
  • Teachers and Librarians: The book is perfect for storytime sessions, sparking discussions about creativity and daily adventures.

Why It Stands Out

The combination of Mr. Luke’s engaging storytelling and Chris Kennett’s delightful illustrations makes What Are We Doing Today? a standout in the world of children’s picture books. Its universal themes, interactive structure, and celebration of everyday joys ensure that it resonates with readers of all ages.

Conclusion

What Are We Doing Today? is a heartwarming and inspiring picture book that captures the magic of childhood curiosity and creativity. Mr. Luke and Chris Kennett have created a delightful ode to the possibilities that each day holds, encouraging readers to embrace the joy of simple pleasures. Whether read during bedtime or as a spark for daytime adventures, this book is sure to become a favorite in many households.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Coffee with Luke: Real Estate Agent Hunt – A Bus Stop Safari!

Hi friends, and welcome back to another Coffee with Luke! Over the next couple of months, I’ve decided to take on a new, quirky, and totally local activity that’s part photography project, part social experiment, and part community exploration… and it all started with my morning coffee and a walk down the street. Lately, I’ve been noticing something that I can’t unsee now — real estate agents are everywhere. I don’t mean in the office or just on signs outside houses for sale. I mean in our bus shelters, on billboards, on the backs of benches, even popping up next to café menus and supermarket entrances — smiling faces, slick suits, and some VERY enthusiastic headshots. So, I thought… why not turn this into something fun? 🎯 The Mission: Over the next couple of months, I’ll be doing what I now call my “Real Estate Agent Hunt.” My goal is to walk, bus, or drive around my area and collect as many different real estate advertising photos as I can find. I’m talking about the ones displ...
Read more

Coffee with Luke: Real Estate Agent Hunt – A Bus Stop Safari

Image
The First 3 Faces in the Real Estate Billboard Jungle Hi legends and loyal readers of Coffee with Luke! If you live in Brisbane, chances are you've walked past a bus stop and found yourself greeted by a smiling, suit-clad local real estate agent. Their faces are everywhere—beaming with confidence, posing like property-selling superheroes, and promising to make your dreams come true (or at least help you find a 3-bed, 2-bath with a carport). So I’ve decided to turn it into a fun little  real estate safari . Every time I spot one of these bold billboards, I snap a photo and rate each agent with some quirky categories that you won't find on any real estate awards night... but you will here! Let’s meet our  first three billboard champions , shall we? 🏡 Agent #1:  Nyree Ewings  – LJ Hooker Nyree’s poster just screams confidence and elegance. You can tell this isn’t her first bus stop. The beige and white outfit is giving “I just sold your neighbour’s house before you eve...
Read more

Coffee with Luke- Medibank Family Roast Game Day

Image
🗓  20th July 2025 🇦🇺  Medibank Family Roast Game Day Hey friends — welcome back to another edition of  Coffee with Luke , and what a fun day it is across Australia today! It’s  Medibank Family Roast Game Day  — a nationwide celebration of family, fun, connection, and of course… a bit of cheeky roasting. But this year, Medibank have taken things to a whole new level by releasing their very own  Family Roast Card Game ! The card game is designed to spark laughter and meaningful moments with your loved ones. It comes with three kinds of cards: 🎈  Something Light  – Playful and silly roasts that get the giggles going without hurting any feelings. Think of it like a gentle tease from your favourite cousin. 💪  Something Hardy  – These are a bit bolder and braver, calling out family habits in a loving way. Perfect for roasting Dad for snoring through every family movie night! 🍬  Something Sweet  – A beautiful balance to the game...
Read more