…the message of self-acceptance and community is heartfelt and reassuring.
—The New York Times Book Review
Neal (Over and Under the Snow, 2011) makes his solo debut here, channeling a boy who is learning to accept and appreciate his own emotions…Neal’s palette of blue, black, and peachy flesh tones adds a jaunty innocence to the boy’s childlike drawings, which include anthropomorphic flowers singing along to bee-buzzing accompaniment, a chorus of cuddly animals, and an oversize bear providing an enveloping hug.
—Booklist Online
In his authorial debut, Neal explores the universality of emotions with a reassuring tone…Suitable for school and public libraries, this title has a wide range of appeal and could be shared one-on-one or read aloud.
—School Library Journal
This sweet read about emotions teaches tots that it’s OK to laugh, sing and even cry.
—Pregnancy & Newborn
Spare text and expressive illustrations are perfectly combined to deliver a simple, profound first look at empathy.
—Books to Borrow…Books to Buy (Kendal A. Rautzhan column)