This was a super cute but also advanced picture book. I would recommend it for elementary (versus K and younger) because there are some bigger themes. However, it asks great questions, has wonderful illustrations, and is an awesome jumping off point for discussion or an investigation. I can imagine elementary students doing a unit on investigation or research and using this book as a starting place or introduction to the unit of study. Definitely recommend!

How many whys are you asked as a parent. In one hour it must almost be 20. Already. This book was they why behind why.

A curious child peppers a patient parent with questions about life - relateble! The answers are both simple and profound, introducing language roots, philosophical ideas and ultimately Buddhist principles. This book won't be for everyone but I certainly enjoyed it and feel there is a market for it in my area.

I like the intent of the book, with the father's attitude towards answering his child's doubts sincerely, and the openness to inquiry. Also liked the concept of wisdom being passed down through the generations.

However, I found the implementation of the idea very unstructured. The first half is good but the second half meanders too much into the philosophical side, with the ending suddenly focussing on the Buddha. There's no foreseeing as to why the father suddenly wrote 'Om' on the bus window and deflected the conversation in a different direction.

Most of all, I am not comfortable publicly reviewing a book that equates 'Om' with monkey butts.

Thank you kindly for the ARC. Sorry this didn't work out better. This shall be the only site I will post this review to.

This book is full of questions. A child is going for a walk with their father and one question leads to another and leads to another, etc. It’s when new words are introduced that you begin to realize that this may not be coming from your current experience. Buddha told everybody to always question. Question why things work, know that things come from one thing to another, and on and on. This book is basic beginnings questions and how things come after each other and how ohm covers everything. Anybody could read this book and get something out of it. It does not have to be read or is not strictly for those who follow Buddha. The information about Buddha is in the very end, as a note to parents rather than part of the story which makes this book open for all.

What a delightful book! It follows a child and a father as they go on a walk together. The child has a curious mind, and asks a lot of questions about the world around them. It touches on origins of ideas and words, and also gives a brief introduction to Buddhism. It's a great book to encourage an inquiry mindset, and also being open-minded!

"How Do You Know What You Know" is a book that illustrates how people learn from everyone around them. Sometimes it may be something small, but in the end, we all take lessons from our experiences and interactions with others. In many ways, it made me think back to some of the people that have been in my life and the knowledge they lovingly shared. There was also the underlying introduction to Buddhism in the story. While it may not be for everyone, I always find it important to show kids other cultures and their beliefs. Because even if someone doesn't belong to that group, there are always similarieties and a common ground to be found.

This is a washy introduction to many topics and ideas. Some of the language will be well passed what a child my understand (latin etymology.). Not against it, but didn't love this one. The artwork is alright.

This book addresses a relationship between a father and daughter, as well as a larger relationship to family, teacher and the divine/buddha. An inquisitive and intelligent girl goes on a walk with her father and learns the meaning and history of words, where her father has learned things he knows from and how this connects with Buddhism and knowledge in general. A weighty concept, but a delightful scratching of the surface of how we even begin to know what we know, and how that is baked into our very existence. With lovely illustrations, this will be the perfect book for young minds looking to delve a little deeper into the age old question of "why".

What starts as a story about a child curious about the world turns into a short tryst into Buddhism. I was not expecting that but it was really nice.
I think books like this are good to use to show children a broader life view than what they may be experiencing at home. And asking questions, we know, is something children are good at doing.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC. This book is about a curious girl, asking questions about the world around her. A good springboard for inquiry! It also touches on Buddhism, as the father is learning about it and the author’s note provides more details.

3.5/5, rounded up to 4

I understand the message that the author was trying to convey, but I feel like the way it was presented was a little dry, especially for a young audience.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of "How Do You Know What You Know?". All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I am going to be very honest, I requested this book because the cover looked cute and that was it. I came into this story blind. I am happy to report that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Immediately, we see words that are difficult for children, but on the same page, it is explained what that word means. Expanding a child's vocabulary is such a powerful and simple thing that is often taken for granted and forgotten about. The way it flowed to discuss Buddha and how it all came full circle was great. I really liked it and I feel that others will too.

A young girl goes on a walk with her dad and seeks answers to questions along the way. I thought the story and illustrations were very calm and pleasant.

In "How Do You Know What You Know?", a father and daughter lead us on an explorative journey that not only entertains but enlightens, painting vivid pictures of life's lessons within its engaging pages. Through their sweet and heartwarming interaction, readers are invited to participate in their fascinating dialogues about life, unfolding layers of wisdom in the most unexpected ways.

The introduction to Buddhist concepts is subtly and seamlessly woven into their conversations, making it a gentle entry point for those unacquainted with this philosophy. The book is careful never to preach, but rather inspire curiosity and understanding. Despite not being a Buddhist family ourselves, we found this unobtrusive initiation into Buddhism enriching and thought-provoking.

The illustrations are beautifully crafted and woven into the narrative, adding depth to the text and creating an immersive reading experience.

The humor in this book is well-balanced, captivating, and relatable. Children will undoubtedly enjoy the playful banter and funny anecdotes, while adults will appreciate the clever wordplay and subtle nods to more mature humor.

In conclusion, "How Do You Know What You Know?" is an insightful, entertaining, and beautifully illustrated journey that introduces Buddhism and new vocabulary with gentleness and humor. It is an educational and enjoyable read for children and adults alike. A delightful fusion of life lessons, humor, and enlightenment, this book serves as an open invitation to explore knowledge, encouraging us to question, learn, and grow.

Delightful look at an inquisitive child and their parent happily encourages curiosity. The parent emphasizes the interconnectedness of life on earth and the power of kindness and compassion. Loved it!