BOOMING BELLA

Bella is a little girl with a big voice, and she’s especially loud when excited—and she’s positively thrilled about today’s field trip to the art museum. Despite repeated reminders from her teacher to “use [her] inside voice,” she shouts out answers to the museum guide’s questions. Nettled, the guide tells Bella that if she doesn’t stop, the class won’t be able to continue. Bella feels terrible. When it’s time to leave, she runs and gets on the bus, but it’s the wrong one! Now is the time to speak up—loudly! Outside, Bella’s teacher races to meet her and brings her back to her cheering class, and Bella takes a picture to memorialize the best trip she’s ever been on. While not specifically about ADHD, this could serve as a very useful introduction to the topic. Mai-Wyss’s appealing illustrations depict Bella as an ebullient blond miss who even dresses loudly. Children will doubtlessly identify with Bella’s impulsive enthusiasm and mercurial moods—or know someone who behaves in just such a way. (Picture book. 3-7)