Whoa Panda!

PreS-Gr 1–Panda is loving, cute, and eager to make new friends but sometimes gets a little too close, a little too fast. The second-person narration balances an appreciation for Panda’s intentions with gentle reminders that help this extrovert recognize and respect such boundaries as personal space. Even when Panda makes a mistake and feels ashamed, the narrator includes encouragement to try again. Jennings writes in language that is clear and instructive for children who are learning about setting personal boundaries and for the adults in their lives who are helping them learn this important skill. The illustrations, created with color pencil and pastel-toned backgrounds, parallel the lightness in the narrator’s tone, which creates a safe and inviting space to learn with sweet Panda. The thoughtful tone and illustrations will easily engage readers on how to set and respect personal boundaries through a kind and playful protagonist.