Ready to smile again

After a chipmunk's home is destroyed, he keeps too many things--and feelings--stored away. Dexter returns to find the tree he lives in toppled over, his possessions tossed around. He begins picking up items--a broken cup, a ripped book--and stuffing them into his cheeks for safekeeping. Naturally, this makes talking difficult, so he keeps his feelings to himself; after all, he's not in the mood to chat or smile. Friends offer support and ask how he's doing, but he doesn't want to risk answering and letting everything tumble out. But eventually, as he thinks about the kindness his pals have shown him, he finds himself smiling, then laughing…and everything he kept inside comes falling out. Reinert offers a literal representation of an abstract concept--bottling everything up after a difficult event--in a way that will hit just right for preschool readers. The silliness of Dexter's carrying everything around (and spewing it out!) is giggle-inducing, though it also rings true. Caregivers looking for ways to help young children open up will find this book a useful tool. Dexter is an adorable and likable little guy, as are his woodland companions. The sunny illustrations are appropriately sweet, with cozy details: a bluejay diligently helping Dexter sweep, a rabbit friend looking on as a chubby-cheeked Dexter fretfully shops at the market. A sensitive take on learning to open up after weathering hardship.(Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.