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Sunday, July 24, 2022

Angry Me, written by Sandra V. Feder and illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell. Groundwood Books, 2022. $19.99 ages 3 and up

 


"Sometimes I get 
angry even though it 
was a mistake. 

"You ate my 
cookie?" angry. 

I'm sorry. 
I didn't know you
were saving it.
"

There are many occasions when anger cannot be tamed; it bursts forth, reasonable or not. First-person narration starts with a young girl looking at herself in the mirror and exhibiting clear signs that she is angry: downturned mouth, one small hand clutching her toothbrush, her shoulders tense, and her eyes fiery. She knows what angry is. 

She goes on to let readers know about the times when anger gets the better of her. She has an understanding for those moments that make her lash out. It might be when another child is being 'mean', or 'not nice', and even when she makes a mistake for being mad at her dad. She is able to name each of the different times when anger overtakes, and she reacts. 

"Sometimes I get angry when things don't feel fair.
"I didn't do anything wrong," angry. 

Too noisy! The whole 
class will stay inside 
for recess."

She knows when she is tired, or frustrated, sad, or has hurt feelings. These are the times when anger becomes a companion. As the page turns to the second half of the book, she goes back to each of the scenes described in the first half. Through these pages, she considers an alternative for handling her feelings. Using words doesn't always work; sometimes they help. There are times when others can help find the right words. In the end she realizes that anger comes, and goes. 

Readers are sure to see themselves in some of the scenes explored here. The sensitive text allows the little one free rein to feel what she is feeling. Those feelings of anger are treated with respect and understanding.The dramatic and meaningful digital illustrations are filled with color and appeal. They  will help readers name what makes them angry, while offering quiet ways to confront those feelings.                                                                                    


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