GRITTY KITTY

Help toddlers learn to find their true grit with this charming primer on resilience.

This lovely introduction for tots to the value of perseverance and working through adversity is both gentle and persuasive. The lessons are well-stated and clear, making this book both a welcome addition to board-book literature and a great alternative to yelling, “Suck it up!” Gritty Kitty and friends play out a variety of scenarios that could end in tears. Instead of treating each incident like a catastrophe, though, Gritty Kitty demonstrates that there are healthier, easier, and more enjoyable ways to respond to each situation: “Gritty Kitty, stumble and fall, / stand back up—no problem at all! // Build a tower. Blocks tumble down. / Keep trying, look: a purrfect town!” When the blocks fall, of course, Gritty Kitty looks appropriately unhappy but then beams with joy when persistence pays off and the town is complete. Other pint-sized potential crises that Gritty Kitty navigates in an emotionally healthy way include impatience, boredom, trying new food, and fear of the dark (it can be cozy, too). The cartoon illustrations complement the lessons perfectly—each animal character is fully realized and expressive, with plenty of fun detail in each panel.

A gem of a book that encourages kids to toughen up, gently.