Are You Mad at Me?

July 3, 2023
When Opal the ostrich feels anxious, she gets “The Noodles”—her long neck feels as wobbly as cooked spaghetti—and even her loving family’s hugs and affirmations can’t banish them. Leading up to the Feather Family’s annual soiree, Opal’s anxieties are focused on her fulfilling a big responsibility: fetching the triple-layer double-custard-beet-and-berry tart that’s a mainstay of the celebration. Opal tries to shore herself up with a calming routine—she dons a favorite scarf, gives herself a pep talk, and takes three deep breaths—but every encounter she has en route to Ms. Peanut’s Bakery nevertheless sends her into a spiral. Why does Henrietta the leopard speed away without a word? Why does Remington the bat sound so cross? “Are you mad at me?” Opal cries out again and again, only to discover in each scenario that what she has interpreted as other animals’ intentional slights are not about her at all. Tyler Feder (Bodies Are Cool) and sister Cody Feder wisely don’t try to solve their protagonist’s concerns, but by giving anxiety a specific name and reiteratively showing the world to be an essentially benevolent place—portrayed via crisp cartooning in bright pastel colors—they underscore both the bird’s bravery and her burgeoning self-knowledge that when the Noodles come, “she would be okay.” Ages 5–8.

July 15, 2023
A young ostrich copes with anxiety. Opal Feather's long neck feels "as wobbly as a spaghetti noodle" whenever she becomes anxious. Her family refers to that feeling as "The Noodles" and tries to help her by offering her empowering compliments, cuddles, and jokes, but these don't calm Opal. Today is her family's annual soiree, one of Opal's favorite days, and she's tasked with picking up the special tart. She performs the self-calming ritual she relies on before doing something new and scary--e.g., going to the bakery. On the way, she misconstrues the actions of various pals she encounters. Opal repeatedly frets they're all mad at her (though they each quickly explain that they aren't). By the time Opal reaches the bakery, her anxiety has exhausted her. However, everyone is proud Opal accomplished her goal. Even better, Opal's proud of herself, recognizing she faced challenges. This is a comforting story about a problem many kids deal with; it reassures them that worries aren't unusual and don't have to feel overwhelming. The authors leave readers with the realistic yet optimistic view that anxiety doesn't disappear altogether but can be confronted through one's own positive outlook and support from family and friends. Colorful, cartoony digital illustrations are lively and endearing; note the enjoyable seek-and-find opportunity at the end.(This book was reviewed digitally.) Noodles, shakes, whatever you call them: Worries aren't fun, but they don't have to interfere with life either. (Picture book. 4-8)

COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 1, 2023
Preschool-Grade 2 From the sister team of Tyler and Cody Feder comes a very silly book about a serious case of the Noodles. Opal Feather is an ostrich with a lot of worries. So many, in fact, that they cause her long neck to wobble like a spaghetti noodle. When it is Opal's job to pick up a tart for the family's annual party, she runs into several friends on the way to the bakery. By the way they act, she thinks each one is mad at her. Her heart pounds, her mouth dries up, and she gets the Noodles. But none of them are mad at her, and by the time she reaches the bakery, she's pooped out. Still, brave Opal accomplishes her task even though it wasn't easy. This gentle book about children dealing with anxieties reassures kids that even if they get a case of the Noodles, they will be OK. The bright illustrations, which make great use of Opal's long neck to visualize her anxiety, offer a chance to find the hidden chameleon throughout the book.

COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

October 1, 2023

PreS-Gr 2-Opal is a young ostrich with anxiety. When she gets anxious her neck gets all wobbly, and her family refers to her condition as "The Noodles." They are supportive and try to help her with varying coping techniques, but Opal suffers nonetheless. On the day of the "Feather Family's annual soiree," Opal is tasked with the responsibility of traveling alone to the bakery and bringing back a special tart. Along the way, she encounters many other animals. Each time Opal meets a friend she faces a new wave of anxiety as she wonders if the animals are mad at her. When she enters a cave along the path, for example, she turns on her headlamp and this makes her bat friend Remington call out. Opal is sure that Remington is mad at her. In reality, Remington lets Opal know that he is nocturnal and the light is merely disrupting his rest. The journey comes to a satisfying conclusion; Opal accomplishes her task and learns that not every reaction from others is personal. Opal grows in confidence and is sure that the next time "The Noodles" come, she will be okay. Illustrations are digitally created and capture Opal's emotions effectively. VERDICT Illustrating one aspect of anxiety, this title will be helpful to children in recognizing their own anxiety and also how other children might be feeling.-John Scott

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