Popcorn Bob can't stop popping

Gr 1--2--In a picture book outing that spins off from a running theme in his eponymous chapter book debut, mercurial morsel Popcorn Bob offers a set of cooling-down techniques to readers similarly prone to "pop" at minor provocations. "Relaxing is the most important thing," he says, and goes on to suggest ways of doing that, from listening to music, making a drawing, counting to 10, sitting in meditation, or finding a sympathetic listener. Savvy advice for coping with distractions ("Empty your head. Breathe in, breathe out. But first make sure you're NOT hungry") is likewise helpful. Young Ellis and her dads, human characters from the original story, join the outsized kernel in the illustrations for a festive dinner outside, and when a bug lands on Bob's pancake, the ensuing blast leads to one last bit of wisdom: "it's no big deal. Sometimes exploding can feel REALLY GREAT! It happens to everyone now and then." VERDICT Straight to younger children from the choleric kernel, a tally of tried-and-true techniques for turning down the heat when the oil starts to boil.--John Peters

A teeny-tiny kernel sporting a cowboy hat, introduced in the chapter bookPopcorn Bob (2021), attempts to curb some big emotions. We all lose our tempers sometimes, but, as Popcorn Bob brags, "Nobody gets as furious as I do." Upon getting upset, Bob explodes into a cloudy yellow popcorn. But our hero's had enough. With an arsenal of self-help resources, courtesy of the public library, Bob is ready for self-actualization. Bidding farewell to young Ellis and her two dads (the family Bob lives with), Bob spends time in nature--a great place to find inner peace--but soon gets a face full of spider webs, then falls in the mud. Bob attempts meditation, exercise, art therapy, and more, all with varying levels of success. At last, Bob's in control…well, at least for now, and that's OK, too. After all, "sometimes exploding can feel REALLY GREAT!" The key is to be aware of one's feelings--and to have some coping strategies ready. With the implicit understanding that no method will work for every frustrated individual, this Dutch import provides many helpful suggestions to try when feeling steamed. Lively, colorful artwork depicting Bob's angry antics will give readers much to mull. Though this is an especially good choice for youngsters working on quelling big feelings, as Bob points out,everyone gets angry. Bob's human family is pale-skinned. An affirming take on the big feelings we all experience.(Picture book. 3-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.