Bad Day

Everyone’s had a day like the boy describes in this sincere story. It began with a bumpy car ride, then gave way to a lumpy sock, a touchy stomach, a “yell-y teacher,” and an embarrassing fall. So he draws a frowning face on a paper bag and puts the sack on his head. Within the serenity of the bag, the boy reflects and recuperates: “It’s some kind of magic,/ this space deep inside.” After the moment of calm, he gains perspective (“Though the day/ was all wrong,/ I’m actually/ strong.”) Roth’s characters have a gangly, exaggerated appearance; the boy’s peers laugh openly at the boy after his tumble, their looming forms giving them the look of monsters. Roth’s message about thinking positively and taking a moment for mindfulness is clear, but the concept of disappearing into a paper bag on tough days is something readers may wish to take with a grain of salt. Ages 3–7. (Sept.)