Today I Feel . . .

January 9, 2017
Gently expressive compositions represent 26 emotions or states of being in an alphabet book originally published in Portugal. A boy with a swoop of brownish-blond hair appears in each scene, and although the text is limited to the featured emotions, Moniz’s artwork, and the creative treatments she applies to each letter, have a great deal to say about what the boy is thinking. In one spread, the boy stares, “jealous,” out a window at a flying kite; the corresponding J is a tangle of ribbons that both echoes the kite’s tail and suggests the knotty twists of the emotion itself. Though not every entry is a home run (“X.O.X.O.’ed,” “Zzzz”), Moniz’s imaginative and pensive scenes reward careful attention. Ages 3–5.

January 15, 2017
An alphabet book about feelings. For such a conceptual enterprise, the visual expressions have to be direct and convincing. The design of this subtle and sophisticated ABC doesn't quite meet that challenge. The two-page spreads place one, and only one, word on the verso along with a capital representation of the letter that is created fancifully in a way that coordinates with the illustration on the recto. The only element that binds the book together is the same white child posing in the center of action or activity, experiencing what the depiction of the letter suggests. "E / Excited" shows a large E made of two folded blue-striped mufflers opposite a back view of the child's head with arms spread looking at large snowflakes. "G / Grumpy" fills the shape of the letter with blue tiles, while the child is shown standing under a showerhead, arms crossed. ("Grumpy" is a bit of a stretch for the child's fairly neutral expression; some readers may simply see "wet.") Letter L is made up of red balloons, while opposite, the child is lifted up with a bundle of the same balloons. Many of the feelings presented are unusual, and some are, on the face of it, not feelings at all: "Brilliant," "Mini," "Original," "Relaxed," "Quiet," "Tall." For some letters, Moniz (or the uncredited translator) doesn't even seem to try, as with "Z / Zzzz." The watercolor-and-India ink illustrations are stylish, plentiful use of white space keeping the pages looking clean. Kids are not likely to get the relationships between feelings and representations on their own, but adults may find ways to use the book to draw out their emotions. (Alphabet book. 5-8)

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March 1, 2017

PreS-Gr 1-Moniz presents the alphabet by using visual representations of feelings in this concept book. Each letter is assigned a different emotion, ranging from "Adored" for "A" to "Zzzz" for "Z." The letters are designed to match their accompanying illustrations, all of which feature the same boy expressing a different sentiment. The book concludes by asking readers, "How do you feel today?" Some of Moniz's choices are more abstract or surreal, such as "Mini" for "M," which is paired with an illustration of the boy fitting inside a shirt pocket, and "I" for "Invisible," which is accompanied by an illustration of the child, whose sweater blends into the wallpaper. The design for the letters, while creative and colorful, may also potentially be confusing. For instance, balloons, which are usually associated with the letter "B," are used to create the letter "L," but young readers may not understand that the balloons are meant to represent "Light," or the feeling of lightness. However, Moniz's illustrations, which were made with watercolor and India ink, are detailed, imaginative, and eye-catching. The stunning artwork provides a unique approach that sets the title apart from the usual alphabet book-one that will spur the imaginations of readers both young and old. VERDICT Because of its abstract qualities, this offering may not be the best tool to use for teaching children the alphabet or emotions, but its impressive, dreamlike visuals make it a worthwhile addition to any picture book collection.-Laura J. Giunta, Garden City Public Library, NY

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