Sometimes I am furious

As cartoon art shows the tan-skinned, redheaded child narrator of this picture book sharing cookies with another child and helping their interracial parents with the dishes, readers are assured that "sometimes I'm a princess who is thoughtful, brave, and sweet.// Sometimes I'm the kindest fairy you could hope to meet." But there are times when things don't go the child's way, and the response is full-fledged fury: "And sometimes I am furious." Various events result in the child engaging in frustrated behaviors as they rail against the world ("I don't want THIS!/ It's just NO GOOD!"), then collapse into a tearful heap. Previous collaborators Knapman and Berger (Superhero Mom) offer standard self-regulation advice by way of their young exemplar: seek out an empathic adult (in this case, Grandma), and try some grounding exercises ("I take deep breaths./ I count to ten./ I sing my happy song"). While 24-7 equilibrium may not be possible, the creators suggest that knowing it's within reach can be a big comfort. Or, as the narrator puts it: "And now when I am// FURIOUS!// It's not for very long." Ages 3--5. (June)

A child explores feelings of rage. "Sometimes I'm a princess who is thoughtful, brave, and sweet," says the narrator, an orange-haired, tan-skinned moppet. "Sometimes I'm the kindest fairy you could hope to meet," the protagonist continues, helping their parents wash dishes. "And sometimes I am furious." As the book progresses, readers witness the things that provoke the child's ire--when someone accidentally ruins their sand castle, when other kids get more ice cream, when the bakery runs out of chocolate cake. After a double-page spread depicting a tantrum that leads to tears, the child's kindly grandmother gives them a hug and some whispered advice. Children will enjoy the repetition of furious and will hopefully learn something from the narrator, whose coping methods now include breathing deeply, counting, and singing a "happy song." Humorous art supports the rhyming verse with bold, eye-catching, thick-lined graphics. Kudos to Knapman and Berger for making it clear that feeling anger--especially at perceived unfairness--is fine; what's important is finding ways to calm down before a meltdown. One of the child's parents is brown-skinned while the other is tan-skinned; Grandma is brown-skinned; the supporting cast is diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A simple and entertaining introduction to anger management. (Picture book. 3-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.