ACCESS DIGITIZED EDITION
Guide/Reviews Database
PRESCHOOL
Patricelli, Leslie

Mad, Mad, MAD

26 pp. | Candlewick | September, 2020 | Trade ISBN 978-1-5362-0380-6 $7.99
(2) PS Patricelli's board-book baby with the single sky-high curlicue and rosy cheeks (recently seen in Tooth and Big Kid Bed, both rev. 11/18) confronts the emotions of fear (Scared) and anger (Mad) in typical-preschooler (and reassuring) ways. In Scared, the child tells us: "Doggie is scared of many things," and then proceeds to list common fear-makers--strangers, loud noises, parents out of view--while the color-saturated, textured illustrations show who is really afraid. Following a Knuffle Bunny–esque plot twist, everything ends peacefully with child and stuffie safe in bed: "Don't be scared, Doggie. We have each other!" A concluding spread shows "Things that can be scary" and "Things that can help the scary go away." Mad relates, in rhyme, the child's struggles with irrational anger and provides (deep breath) eventual suggestions for self-soothing; this book's concluding spread is "Things that help the mad go away" ("doggies," "friends," "pillow punches," etc.). As always, the baby is endearing (and imperfect and imaginative), the struggles are relatable, and the solutions offered are at least worth a try. Review covers these titles: Doggie Gets Scared and Mad, Mad, MAD.
Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2020

RELATED 

PRESCHOOL

The Farmer and the Circus
by Frazee, Marla
PRESCHOOL

Bird House
by Gómez, Blanca
PRESCHOOL

The Crow and the Peacock
by Fernihough, Jo
PRESCHOOL

Something's Wrong!
by John, Jory
PRESCHOOL

Grandpa Across the Ocean
by Yum, Hyewon
More

Get connected. Join our global community of more than 200,000 librarians and educators.

This coverage is free for all visitors. Your support makes this possible.

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing.

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?