FICTION

Peter Panda Melts Down

by Artie BENNETT
illus. by John Nez. 40p. Blue Apple. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781609054113.
COPY ISBN
PreS-K—Bennett's rhyming, bouncy text follows a day in the life of Peter Panda and his mother. He throws a tantrum at every juncture, and she reacts by distracting her son with new activities, such as visiting the library or a park. Finally, she cracks and shouts at him. With a "kids will be kids" message, the story misses an opportunity to present the deeper motivations of Peter and his mother and ultimately lacks the nuance of other books dealing with frustration and feelings, as in Molly Bang's When Sophie Gets Angry (Scholastic, 1999). Nez's pastel-hued digital illustrations make the young panda look sweet even in his most angry state. Although Peter Panda will resonate with any reader who throws—or quells—tantrums, it isn't a first purchase.—Nora Clancy, Teachers College Community School, New York City
In this well-intentioned but flawed picture book, a three-year old panda "melts dowwwwnnn!" when he's frustrated, during transitions, etc. The rhyming text is awkward and doesn't offer solutions other than distractions such as, in one case, the promise of a favorite meal. Mama finally melts down and screams at Peter. (Yikes!) Nez's soft, emotive illustrations capture the hysterics.
Reviewed by Nora Clancy , Jun 01, 2014

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