Maybe Tomorrow? (a story about loss, healing, and friendship)

February 1, 2019

K-Gr 2-Elba, a pink hippopotamus, is weighed down by a heavy black block. Representing depression, anxiety, or sadness, the block is physically tethered to Elba, and greatly limits what she can do. Enter Norris, an alligator so cheerful that he dances everywhere he goes, "even uphill," surrounded by bevy of butterflies. Norris kindly but persistently encourages Elba to join him in various activities. Slowly, patiently, he cajoles Elba to try a few new things, always in a way that is comfortable for her. When it is raining, Norris joins Elba sitting on her block, and they quietly have tea. When Norris wants to go to the beach, he and the butterflies help Elba move the block. As they spend more time together, Elba eventually tells Norris about her friend, Little Bird, who is gone. Nonspecific about Little Bird's whereabouts, the painfulness of loss is a emotion that many children will recognize. Norris's concern for Elba does not erase her pain, but helps her manage it a little better. Watercolor, charcoal, graphite, and a combination of traditional and digital brushes are used to create appealing illustrations that acknowledge Elba's sadness while still offering hope that the world can be beautiful place. VERDICT This sensitive story will be valuable to adults helping children recognize and understand grief; an excellent purchase.-Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2018
Cheerful green alligator Norris attempts to befriend Elba, a pink hippo burdened by a mysterious black block. Norris may initially appear to be a suspiciously friendly predator, but, as evidenced by the cloud of butterflies that accompanies him everywhere, he is genuinely considerate. He finds Elba sitting on her block in the park and invites her on a picnic, then continues to check in with her after she declines. Elba is surprised when Norris joins her in sitting on her block, telling her he feels "something [sad] in there" and that "it wants to come out." "Maybe tomorrow," he says after they sit in silence each day. With Norris' patient encouragement--observe his hopeful smile as they drink tea in the rain!--Elba soon agrees to visit the ocean with him, though she doubts she can make it that far with her block: "It's too heavy....Right?" she asks, which he does not deny, instead responding, "My butterflies and I will help you." As they slowly walk to the ocean, Elba finally opens up to Norris about the deep sadness her block represents. His empathetic response and its surprising result demonstrate the power of patience, listening, and simply showing up when loved ones are navigating difficult emotions. Ramírez's illustrations, done in a combination of traditional and digital media, utilize bright, textured colors, simple rounded shapes, and subtle yet eloquent facial expressions to sweetly emphasize the characters' emotional journey.A poignant exploration of depression, grief, and friendship. (Picture book. 3-8)

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