When Sophie Thinks She Can't... (When Sophie)

Sophie, the blonde child first seen in Bang's Caldecott Honor-winning When Sophie Gets Angry--Really, Really Angry..., struggles with self-confidence and problem-solving in her third picture book. After her sister ridicules her for not being smart (Sophie is having trouble with a tangram puzzle), Sophie carries her negative emotions to school. Teacher Ms. Mulry explains to the students that people aren't "born smart," but become so by exercising their brains. Bang's kinetic art conveys Sophie's frustration through her furrowed brow and smudgy, downturned lips; orange and yellow outlines--a trademark of Bang's art--and bright, busy patterns suggest an overstimulating world. As Sophie and other students tackle a math puzzle that involves turning small squares into large rectangles, Bang gently reminds readers that learning is a gradual process, not a destination. Ages 4-8. (Jan.)

Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

POPGr 1-3--Bang and her eponymous character have guided children through the emotional ups and downs of When Sophie Gets Angry--Really, Really Angry and When Sophie's Feelings Are Really, Really Hurt, now address frustration and feelings of inadequacy when the child is unable to complete a tangram puzzle at home, then a math challenge at school. However, under the guidance of a teacher with a positive, can-do attitude who encourages her students to try harder and use the word "yet" when faced with a difficult challenge (as in, "I haven't solved it yet"), Sophie and classmates are introduced to a growth mind-set approach to problem solving. Readers and listeners can attempt to try the puzzle on their own ("build a bigger rectangle out of twelve small squares"), and will observe that there is more than one way to solve this particular challenge (and perhaps others) as evidenced in the story. As in other titles by this author/illustrator, vibrant colors form the backdrop of many spreads and the figures, outlined in these yellow, red, or green, radiate energy and emotion. An author's note discusses the book's origin and explains the difference between "fixed" and "growth" mind-sets. Endpapers include a picture of a tangram and a definition, and some of the animal shapes said to have been created "from traditional tangram puzzle pieces." VERDICT While purposeful, this book belongs on classroom and school library shelves and should be shared, especially with children who are easily frustrated.--Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Sure to be a staple in classrooms everywhere." — Kirkus Reviews
Praise for When Sophie's Feelings Are Really, Really Hurt
* "Bang's thickly painted images exude energy and feeling, both in the children's expressions and through the exaggerated dimensions, angles, and colors. It's another lovely study in emotion from Bang and a thoughtful exploration of art-making." — Publishers Weekly, starred review
"All libraries will want this bold offering for lessons on classroom manners, art, and individuality." — School Library Journal
Praise for When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry...
Caldecott Honor Book
Jane Addams Honor Book
ALA Notable Book
Charlotte Zolotow Award
"Bang's evocatively illustrated book suggests no quick fixes; she treats childhood emotions with respect." — Publishers Weekly
"Bang captures the intensity of Sophie's feelings with strong, broadly brushed forms and colors....Sophie finds a way to cope with her anger, quite laudably, without a helping adult hand." — Kirkus Reviews
"Bang's double-page illustrations, vibrating with saturated colors...reveal the drama of the child's emotions."— School Library Journal, starred review
"An elegant and thought-provoking book for...children learning how to deal with emotions." — New York Times Book Review