I'm Sad (I'm...)

PreS-Gr 1--In this follow-up to Black and Ohi's I'm Bored, a sad flamingo joins a young girl and talking potato in a search for answers. When Flamingo asks, "Will I always feel like this?" the young girl reasons, "I don't think so," while the potato reassures readers in stating that, "[e]verybody feels sad sometimes"--even potatoes. In this fresh, unconventional story, the text emphasizes that there are ways to feel better, that it's okay to let yourself be sad, and that the burden of sadness eventually lightens. The lively, digital cartoon artwork pairs seamlessly alongside the story line, offering uncluttered white space that appropriately highlights the three characters, their body language, and facial expressions. The dialogue playfully changes color to reflect each character's voice. By the end of the story--after talking, cheering up, and having some laughs--Flamingo reasons, "I still feel a little bit sad, but I also feel a little bit better." VERDICT This is an accessible picture book that delicately handles the subject of sadness in children. Pair with Mo Willems's My Friend is Sad for a lighthearted approach to a common tough topic.--Brianne Colombo, Fairfield Free Public Library, NJ