WAAA WAAA GOES TÁWÀ

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.