Gloria's Big Problem

December 2, 2019
Gloria’s “Problem” is a huge green beast in polka-dot boxer shorts. This goofy-looking lout holds enormous power over the child: it’s the manifestation of her crippling anxiety and self-doubt. If Gloria tries to venture out independently in the world, the Problem starts “speaking very LOUDLY in her ear,” writes Bright; Deas portrays the ensuing panic attack as an almost biblical confluence of natural catastrophes. When the community theater holds auditions for a musical, Gloria, who loves to sing, decides enough is enough—even a panic attack (the theater turns blood-red) can’t hold her back. “STOP!” she screams at the Problem, and it immediately shrinks; she nails the audition, and even inspires another kid to stand up to his own, purple Problem. There’s a lot of empathy and solidarity in these pages, and a clear message to families to take anxiety seriously (Gloria’s parents are kindly but dismissive; her brother calls her “a fruitcake”), but having Gloria take full responsibility for what is clearly an overwhelming issue may not offer help to those who need it most. Ages 6–8.

December 1, 2019
Gloria's capital-P Problem hounds her with worries and makes her feel small. Gloria Marvel loves to sing, and, in the privacy of her home, she's expressive and exuberant. But her Problem's bellow drowns her out if she tries to sing in public. Deas depicts Gloria's ever present Problem as a large, hairy, green-striped, troll-like monster with polka-dot shorts. No one else can see Gloria's Problem, and when she tries to talk about it, people either dismiss or ridicule her. She really wants to audition for a play at the community theater, but her Problem howls in her ear so she can't think. It makes Gloria so mad that she finally yells at it to "STOP!" The Problem immediately shrinks, and, though it's still present, she auditions with confidence. Brown-skinned Gloria goes to church and lives in a multiethnic neighborhood. Pages are text heavy, but the illustrations, in watercolor shades and heavy, inked lines, encapsulate the scene essentials. The book accurately depicts the way that anxiety often makes some outlandish what-ifs seem very probable and small things seem just as devastating. It also makes the case for Gloria's family and friends to treat her needs seriously, and it emphasizes that although she sometimes feels "bonkers," she definitely isn't. In the collection of books that conceptualize mental conditions, this one respects the afflicted protagonist and politely insists that others should as well. Sensitive and emotionally realistic. (Picture book. 6-9)

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January 1, 2020

Gr 1-3-Gloria Marvel has a problem. A really big problem that follows her wherever she goes. When Gloria wants to try new things-a sleepover with her friend, singing at a birthday party or trying out for a school show-her Problem is always there. It tells her about earthquakes and blizzards and other terrible things that could happen if she tries anything new. It's enough to persuade Gloria not to try different things. Nobody else can hear or see her Problem. She tries to talk to her big brother about it, but he only laughs at her in front of other kids. Her parents don't seem to pay attention when she goes to them for help. She even tries to tell her Problem to go away, but it grows bigger and speaks even louder in her ears. Gloria must find a way to deal with her Problem herself and possibly find a way to help others. This is a great book for children who are dealing with issues similar to Gloria's. It's unfortunate that her family doesn't listen to her, but Gloria finds the strength to deal with it. Although Problem is a problem, it is depicted as a large green beast that is more annoying than scary. VERDICT Children will benefit from this humorous, gentle treatment of anxiety and will cheer for Gloria's ability to find her voice.-Barbara Spiri, Southborough Library, MA

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