Calm

January 15, 2022
Roberts, a child psychologist, distills the concept of psycho-emotional "co-regulation" for parents of babies and toddlers. The first-person narrator begins with a vow--"My dear little one, if you are upset, I promise to share my calm"--then goes on to articulate simple methods for dealing with an upset or overstimulated youngster. These include rocking, holding hands, listening, using a gentle voice, and deep breathing. This straightforward and practical lead-in is followed by a positive intention, broken up over three double-page spreads: "I'll help you understand these big feelings and teach you that you have a choice. // To honor your emotions and then let them go, // Making yourself feel better." Unfortunately, this prognostication feels like sentimental cant and is too vague to be very helpful. On the final verso, the narrator reminds the child that "you can always count on my unconditional love and for me to share my calm," a sweet guarantee marred by a glaring grammatical error. The simple text appears isolated on elegant pastel backgrounds with white botanical silhouettes. The visuals consist of crisp, heartwarming photos in warm tones that depict racially diverse caregivers holding and comforting tots, including but not limited to an interracial couple, a brown-skinned woman wearing a hijab, and an elderly White woman. Implausibly, none of these adults look tired, stressed, or agitated, even in the face of meltdown or tantrums. Well-meaning but unrealistic. Unlikely to induce calm. (Board book. Birth-adult)

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