Percy Gets Upset

PreS-K—A young giraffe is having a bad day. When he loses his shoe, he stamps his foot. He wants to keep playing with his friend when his mother calls him home for dinner, and he does not want to eat what his father has made. Protesting that he is not tired, Percy balks at going to bed. To help him calm down, his patient parents offer simple strategies, such as taking a deep breath, counting to 10, and talking about why he is upset. After a good night's sleep, he is no longer out of sorts. The full-color illustrations are interspersed with pictures of the youngster in a red bubble on a white background, being frustrated, grouchy, cranky, and angry. Shown in a bubble as he falls asleep, he is wrapped in a restful blue blanket. The final spread has highlighted words and diagrams of feelings and strategies. This simple story might best be used in a lesson on anger management by classroom teachers or guidance counselors.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN