For Kids and Their Grown-Ups: “Don’t Blow Your Top” by Ame Dyckman; illustrated by Abhi Alwar
About Blog Post
Jun 11, 2024
by SCLSNJ Staff
For Kids and Their Grown-Ups: “Don’t Blow Your Top” by Ame Dyckman; illustrated by Abhi Alwar
Review by Laura Frantz, collection development librarian
Big Volcano and Little Volcano are having a lovely day in paradise. But then, Little Volcano gets bonked in the head. Big Volcano worries about Little Volcano’s reaction. Big Volcano encourages Little Volcano to breathe, to count and, finally, to think happy thoughts. It works until Little Volcano gets bonked again. This time, Little Volcano blows their top. After that eruption, Little Volcano expresses regret, Big Volcano offers reassurance, and we see a regulation of emotions in action.
Readers will instantly connect with Ame Dyckman’s very relatable tale of when emotions get the best of us. Abhi Alwar’s colorful and expressive illustrations expertly capture the range of feelings Little Volcano experiences. This is definitely one to read aloud and expect a lot of feelings about this picture book.