  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 06/01/2019 PreS-Gr 2—An anxious brown potato tells his friends—a little girl and a pink flamingo—that he is plagued with worries about the future. Aliens, clowns, volcanoes, pop quizzes, meteors…he is sure that something bad is just around the corner. But instead of reassurance, the wise child admits, "nobody knows what's going to happen," which causes their fine feathered friend to utter, "Um, now I'M worried." The level-headed girl points out that even though bad things have indeed happened to them all, "over time they turned out okay." Not convinced, both the spud and bird wrap themselves in bubble wrap, which turns out to be yet "another bad thing." The child then explains that worrying doesn't help, and that they should both learn to "enjoy the now." Relieved, Potato realizes "Enjoying the now is way better than worrying about the future!" Minimal text and improbable, yet sympathetic characters offer a humorous solution to a serious problem. Worriers of all ages will embrace the catchphrase, "enjoy the now" and learn that when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Large, bold, digitally rendered illustrations appear on oversized pages against a white background. All three characters wear their emotions on their sleeves. Share with Kevin Henkes's Wemberly Worried for a lighthearted look at a common concern. VERDICT A fun, reassuring storytime selection or one-on-one read for overly anxious children.—Barbara Auerbach, Cairo Public Library, NY - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 02/15/2020 Potato’s friends—a flamingo and a young girl—are enjoying playing, but Potato’s feeling overwhelmed with worry about the future. “What if something bad happens?” asks Potato, as imagined what-ifs swirl around. Soon, Flamingo’s also besieged with worry. The girl acknowledges their feelings, though she also reminds them that unforeseen incidents happened to each of them before (like when Potato fell, or when she broke her arm), but eventually they all were fine. Nonetheless, the pair’s anxiety continues, but the girl is patient, ultimately providing potentially helpful, calming advice and perspective—since the future’s unknown, “just enjoy the now.” Joining the author-and-illustrators’ previous titles (I’m Bored, 2012; I’m Sad, 2018), this recognizes a familiar emotion and, with its amusing, sympathetic, and supportive approach, neither downplays nor demeans it. Colorful, animated cartoon illustrations add levity to events (like Flamingo wresting its beak from a peanut-butter jar), and the speech-balloon dialogue lends well to read-alouds. Though it may not totally allay anxiety, this may encourage kids to articulate their concerns while offering some reassurances, including that they’re not alone. - Copyright 2020 Booklist. Loading...
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