When Sophie Gets Angry--Really, Really Angry
Common Sense Note
Vivid illustrations aptly reflect the range of Sophie's emotions, and succinct text communicates the intensity of her feelings in simple terms. Kids will respond to Sophie's frustration.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Ann Marie Sammataro
This accessible story helps kids understand that anger is a natural response, that it happens to almost everyone, and that there are ways to manage it. Most important, the author reassures children that their families will still love them when it's over.
Her stunning illustrations are in perfect accord with the text; full-color pages are alight with blazing reds, oranges, and purples at the height of Sophie's rage, only to be replaced with tranquil blues and serene greens as her equilibrium is restored.
Most kids will recognize their own behavior in Sophie's outburst. All can commiserate with her as Sophie is made to share a favored toy. Bang encourages readers to be responsible for their anger and angry actions, showing how Sophie works to resolve her anger on her own--without time-outs or punishment.
Sophie's choice of anger management, however, may be problematic for some parents. Choosing running as an outlet for her emotions, Sophie runs away from her family and out of her home. While older children can understand that Sophie is removing herself from the situation in order to calm down, younger children may require additional adult commentary at this point. The author doesn't intend for literal-minded three-year-olds to hit the road each time they're displeased.
From The Book
Oh, is Sophie ever angry now! She kicks. She screams. She wants to smash the world to smithereens.
Plot Summary:
Incensed over having her toy snatched, Sophie spirals into a fit of monumental proportions. First she acts out, stomping and hollering. Then, still simmering, she's out the door, running off her excess energy.
Finally, a bout of tears erases the last vestiges of Sophie's anger. Now she is ready to climb her favorite tree and let nature console her. A soothed and collected Sophie returns to the welcoming embrace of her family.
Related Books:
For a mood lifter, try Lisa Jahn-Clough's Alicia Has a Bad Day, in which Alicia uses some silly methods to dispel her bad mood. No bad-day celebration is complete without Judith Viorst's hilarious Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.
Rate It!
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ViolenceWhen Sophie "roars a red, red roar," the illustration shows Sophie spewing flames. |
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Social BehaviorSophie has a tantrum, then runs away into the woods to calm down. |
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