JUST KEEP GOING

A mouse regulates his complicated emotions with guidance from a supportive group of animal pals.

A small rodent with giant ears has “BIG feelings.” When thunder and lightning scare him, a kindly rabbit suggests that they jump up and down together. The activity helps, though Mouse accidentally destroys a flower, which prompts another emotional reaction. (Guilt? Regret?) A nearby bird offers a hug, and Mouse feels much better. The prospect of traversing a creaky-looking bridge elicits fear, but Deer assures Mouse, “It will help if you just put one foot in front of the other.” When a bear cub fails to offer Mouse some berries, Mouse feels hurt. Butterfly’s answer: “Stop what you’re doing, pause, and breathe.” (And then the cub shares.) Later, Mouse ends up in a literally dark place as he struggles with his fear of failure. Owl tells him to close his eyes and picture “what you want.” After each solution comes the refrain “Just keep going.” Smith doesn’t touch on all big emotions—anger, pain, disgust, grief—but when it comes to frustration and, especially, fear, the regularity of this litany will be reassuring. The illustrations are greeting-card friendly, in soft earthy tones, with big-eyed, simplified animals and natural settings. Negative emotions appear as dark spikes, scribbles, bubbles, or clouds behind Mouse and trail off as they dissipate; many youngsters will find such literal imaging comforting and empowering.

A gently presented suite of responses to help kids face fears and “just keep going.”