SOMETIMES I’M A BABY BEAR, SOMETIMES I’M A SNAIL

Young children learn about feelings through different animals.

Whether readers feel like a hug-loving baby bear or a fearless lion, this book demonstrates that everyone experiences different feelings and that “it’s fine, by the way, to feel this way!” Butterfield’s rhyming text describes each animal and how they are feeling and reassures readers that these emotions are all healthy. One of the best comparisons is the snail inside its shell: “I’d rather be quiet and on my own. / I’m fine playing games alone.” In addition, Butterfield emphasizes that it’s OK to refuse a hug or feel scared and that readers’ friends might feel that way sometimes, too. While the rhymes aren’t smooth and lyrical, they keep the pace moving and the text appealing. Millward’s illustrations include bright, bold colors: forest greens, deep golden yellows, and beautiful, soft blues. Many of the anthropomorphic animals have exaggerated features—big, round eyes; puckered lips, and expressive faces—which aid in readers’ understanding of the feelings, as the animals mimic the humans. People are drawn in a range of skin tones, from the white of the page to dark brown. Some wear hijabs; one uses a wheelchair. An appended section called “Using This Book” provides adults with helpful information about teaching children to identify and name their feelings as well as how to validate those emotions. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A useful tool for caregivers and teachers working with the preschool crowd.