Gory Rory Fangface Needs a Kiss

A bad night’s sleep proves to be a harbinger of “THE WORST DAY EVER!” for this picture book’s exhausted protagonist, anthropomorphized wolf kid Gory Rory Fangface. Thin-lined sketches, drawn with a smart mix of comedy, empathy, and immediacy by debut artist Silvester, give readers a sidelines view as unfairness piles upon misfortune. Not only is Gory Rory Fangface forced to wear a sweater he hates (his favorite is in the wash) but he also has to stay in during recess, thus missing “the moment that Marko the Sharko scored the goal of the century.” Even Mom lets him down by being late for pickup. “Why, oh why, oh why do bad things always happen to ME???” the youth wails. Flummoxed at first, his parent soothes by acknowledging that “bad days happen to everyone,” and slowly coaxing the child into cuddles and kisses. Hanaor (Alte Zachen) uses reportorial narration to set each scene and dialogue balloons for the little wolf’s outraged venting; readers, like the protagonist, should find themselves feeling mollified, fortified, and ready for a new day. Ages 3–6. (Nov.)