"When Sophie Gets Angry--Really, Really Angry" by Molly Bang (Caldecott Honor Book)

     Sophie is a little girl who gets angry when her little sister grabs the gorilla that Sophie is playing with.  After their mother tells Sophie to let her sister have the gorilla, she erupts in anger.  Colorful and bright illustrations bring to life the emotions that Sophie feels as she deals with her anger. 
     What I liked about this book is that the author not only depicts how anger builds, but she also offers a healthy solution to get rid of the anger.  Sophie runs until the anger is gone, then she cries.  She climbs a tree and observes her natural surroundings.  When she feels better she goes back home to her loving family.  I also love the illustrations.  They are bold and help bring to life what anger and contentment feel like.  For instance, when Sophie "roars" with anger, the word ROAR shoots out of Sophie's mouth in a bright red and orange flame.  When she runs into nature and is feeling more peaceful, the color blue is used to show the tranquility she is now feeling. 
     While I believe that anyone can relate to being angry, I think that being the oldest of four children most influenced the reaction I had when reading this book.  I was the one who always had to give up a toy so that one of the younger ones could play with it.  I remember the anger I felt, and I remember going to my room and feeling so much hatred toward my siblings for always getting what they wanted.  I believe books like this one help children and parents both realize how anger can hurt, and how it can be dealt with in a positive way. 
     Molly Bang has co-written another book that deals with childhood emotions called The Day Leo said I Hate You.  Just like Sophie, Leo has some negative emotions that make him burst into a not so favorable demeanor.  This book also offers brilliant illustrations and a healthy solution.  Bang has written many other touching children's books such as Ten, Nine, Eight which is a bedtime countdown done by a father and daughter every night. 
    The new thing that I learned about children's literature is that a simple emotion such as anger can be explained, understood, and resolved in simple enough terms that a small child can understand.  I also noticed that illustrations can have a powerful impact in portraying emotions.