Emotions – how many do we feel in even one single day? They’re a huge part of being human, yet they often defy definitions. Caregivers ask children, “How are you feeling?” Can children answer with understanding and truth?
Elephant of Sadness, Butterfly of Joy, a collection of two dozen short poems written by Patricia Austin and illustrated by Megan Elizabeth Baratta, guides readers to pair clouded concepts with concrete critters. Some poems feature animals children know through direct experience, including “The Turtle of Loneliness” and “The Dog of Disappointment.” Others highlight more exotic animals, such as “The Whale of Doubt” and “The Egret of Regret.”
What animal could effectively convey the return and misery of worry? The mosquito is a brilliant choice. And hope—that crucial component of any book meant for sharing with children? An oyster patiently creating something beautifully unexpected.
Each poem, with perfectly matched words and illustration, stands apart from the others. In addition to forming a satisfying and thought-provoking book, these pages could be enlarged as marvelous posters. Kudos to the author and illustrator!
Ruth Kirk, Author for Children 