SHIBU'S TAIL

After attempts to downplay his feelings make him miserable, a cat learns that freely expressing them is key to his well-being.

Bristling when he’s angry, shielding him when he’s afraid, and offering “hug after hug” when he’s happy, Shibu’s tail is a reliable indicator of his mood. After noticing that his big feelings attract undue attention from the other cats, he decides to stifle them. Shibu represses his joy over the milk delivery, his rage over a broken toy, and his fear during a lightning storm. These pent-up emotions take their toll: “Shibu started to feel like he was going to explode! And then, suddenly…He did.” Fong renders Shibu and his voluminous tail via a multitude of tiny black ink hatches, which increase in volume and intricacy. The illustrator depicts the veritable explosion of Shibu’s tail as a stormy cluster of cresting waves that leave the feline dripping wet. Understanding that sharing “what’s on his mind and in his heart” allows him to feel his best, Shibu begins to help his cat friends communicate their own sentiments. As Shibu’s tail offers a thumbs-up, Fong playfully surrounds him with equally demonstrative felines—and tails. Thomas’ cogent text and her focus on emotional intelligence will resonate with caregivers, while Fong’s quietly comic pictures will tickle everyone.

A winning blend of crisp design, child-appealing illustrations, and positive messaging about self-expression.