MAD AT MOMMY

This little bunny is in one big huff, and he must tell his mommy exactly how he feels. “Mommy, I—I— / I AM SO MAD AT YOU!” To underscore his case, the afflicted party presents a catalog of past wrongs—forgotten laundry, bath-time scoldings, Saturday-morning sleep-ins and the fact that his mommy can’t marry him. Young readers will sympathize, while adults will secretly smile. Sakai’s paintings are simply composed and staged, allowing rabbit’s expressive poses to shine. There are no distractions—each detail becomes evidence of his mother’s care. Her palette is uncomplicated, but extreme attention is given to the small amounts of color used. She also has a talent for scale and pattern. Across four pages she uses the same composition, but each has a different emotional beat, highlighting the connection between mother and son and contributing to the final payoff—hugs and harmony. As usual, the illustrator’s work feels essentially Japanese: hand-done but with implicit craft; appearing simple but incredibly sophisticated. A playful story that offers young readers—and their big feelings—a serious voice. Charming, classy and current. (Picture book. 3-7)