A TINY DIFFERENCE

What to do about a bad mood?

Noticing that its child is “in a funk,” a bird explains that “it’s okay not to feel perfectly perfect all the time / no need to try to fix everything. / but let’s move a few things around, / see if it makes a tiny difference.” From taking deep breaths, scrunching up one’s shoulders and dropping them, and stretching to wiggling and squeezing, this interactive book encourages its audience to work through various relaxation techniques, made a bit more accessible through onomatopoeia and figurative language. The parent then tells the little bird to “take one hand, / crawl your fingers up your arm… / watch it stroll. / where is it going?” The narrative culminates in a flow of fanciful wonderings as the parent muses on all that the hand might see—from “aliens having dinner” to “grandma fluffing her hair”—and, at last, gives the little one a big hug. Though the tips for centering oneself are solid, at times the text is a bit clunky, and the parents’ whimsical imaginings may distract from the relaxation techniques. The expressive line drawings—which resemble a child’s creation yet are imbued with sophistication—are the standouts. Set against mostly simple backdrops, they deftly bring to life hot-air balloons, woodland creatures, and extraterrestrials.

Quirky and occasionally meandering, though saved by utterly charming artwork.