Waaa waaa goes Táwà

Young Táwà knows what she wants, and when she doesn't get her way, she lets loose a wail that moves sofas, pops balloons, and sends animals fleeing. Page turns take readers through scenarios in which the child communicates with a "Waaa Waaa," including a visit to the market that Táwà insists on joining, and a stop at a toy cart where the toy seller gives her a doll to end a tantrum. Ònájìn expresses the dominating force of Táwà's cries, which fling people back and topple fruit baskets like hurricane-level winds. But as the day comes to a close, Táwà's tantrums begin to wear on her family and the rest of the neighborhood, too. When the child's bedtime cries interrupt the evening's rest, Grandpa, Mama, and Papa all begin to cry, their pet dog joins the fray with a mournful "Aaaaooooo," and neighbors' homes emit sorrowful noises. In a comic turnabout, Táwà shifts to caregiver, comforting and quieting the family before drifting off to sleep. Larger-than-life, multi-patterned illustrations express the emotional toll of a child's endless tears in a debut picture book that offers moments of levity and comfort to both caregivers and children. Characters are portrayed with brown skin, and visual context clues seem to indicate a Nigerian setting. Ages 4--8. (Nov.)

Táwà's wails disturb everyone in the village. Little Táwà is pleasant and sweet--until she hears the word no. Then tears fly, wails blast from her mouth, and onlookers recoil in fright from her tantrums. Mama gives in and lets her come to the market. A toy seller gives in, too, and gives her a doll, even after Mama says no. Táwà's tears also send a small friend running, cut a hair-braiding session short, and convince a tired Papa to let Táwà snuggle up on his back. Will the terror and manipulation ever end? After bedtime, the tables are turned, and Táwà learns to play a new role. This simple story might worry caretakers who don't want to encourage tantrums, but its treatment of this common issue does bring a lighthearted humor to frustrating behaviors and may open up healthy communication between adults and children. Ònájìn's humorous, bright, cartoonlike illustrations are wonderfully expressive, using motion to exaggerate the monstrous impact of a toddler's tantrum on beholders. The contrast between Táwà before, during, and after her tears works brilliantly to build conflict and tension until the final, satisfying scene. All characters are Black, and names and cultural details imply an African setting. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Readers will delight in this loving, hilarious tale of a child determined to have her own way. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.