Because of a Shoe

PreS-K–Proving herself well up to the challenge of conveying the massive scope and ferocity of a toddler’s tantrum, Frazee sends a small, bellowing, red-headed figure flopping across the floor into black, howling waves and winds. Why? Fogliano, no slouch herself at articulating strong feelings, explains in a parental voice that it’s all over shoes. Too tight? Too loose? No matter—“you are screaming / and you don’t want to be screaming / but you just can’t stop screaming.” What’s more, tantrums can be contagious and why should kids be the only screamers when “we are late/ and everyone is waiting/ and you love those shoes / they are your best shoes.” Still, even the worst tempests don’t last forever, and so skies clear and color leaks back into the art. Shouting quiets to cozy cuddles, and a closing twist will leave readers laughing.