TERRANCE THE HOTHEAD

A teapot learns techniques to help manage his emotions instead of boiling over in this picture book.

Terrance is a little teapot full of huge feelings: “Things never felt small to Terrance. They always felt big and hot.” Granny reminds Terrance before school of what his speech therapist taught him: decide if he’s at a simmer, a steam, or a boil when gauging his emotions. At school, Terrance gets upset over small things: not getting to go first at tea-ball and being told a teapot joke by Lanie Cup. In therapist Lady Grey’s office, Terrance explores his feelings and why he’s upset; he realizes that Lanie isn’t teasing, she just wants to be his friend. When he has the chance to play a game with Lanie at recess, he simmers down and suggests taking turns. Cloherty adapts real-world techniques that encourage balanced emotional responses to a pun-filled story. Teacups, pots, glasses, kettles, and spoons populate this imaginary world, making metaphoric emotional responses literal. The author transforms some complex ideas into accessible language, making it easy for young readers and adults to discuss ways to apply techniques, guided by prompts and descriptions in the backmatter. Additional text and milestones provide helpful resources for adults. Lopez’s cartoon illustrations deftly portray Terrance’s steaming responses, and the kid-friendly designs and compositions will encourage reader giggles.

This engaging tale may help young readers grappling with big feelings keep their cool.