No Fits, Nilson!

April 15, 2013
When one is a small child with a temper, it helps to have a friend whose temper is even worse. Amelia’s closest pal is a mammoth blue gorilla named Nilson, and when she accidentally knocks over his building block structure, he has “the biggest, most house shaking-est fit ever!!” The techniques Amelia uses to help Nilson maintain his composure while running errands with Amelia’s mother are hilariously familiar: she hands him her froggy purse to hold in a slow-moving post office line; then, as he hankers after a fellow subway passenger’s banana, she stares him down “with a gorilla eye lock, repeating the words banana ice cream over and over.” Yet when Nilson gets the last banana ice cream, it’s Amelia who throws a fit. “I’ll get chocolate instead,” Nilson offers gallantly. OHora’s (Stop Snoring, Bernard!) rough, woodcutlike acrylic paintings are a delight, and there are quirky details to be savored everywhere, from the buff weightlifter at the post office to the neat rows of Gorilla Krunch at the grocery store. Nilson’s (and Amelia’s) struggle to behave will leave a lasting impression. Ages 3–5. Agent: Sean McCarthy, Sheldon Fogelman Agency.

Starred review from April 15, 2013
Amelia helps a 9-foot blue gorilla named Nilson avoid tantrums by repeatedly reminding him, "No fits, Nilson!" Chunky, acrylic illustrations depict age-old meltdown triggers: a toppled block tower, uncooperative sneakers that just (eeergh!) won't get (oof!) on your feet and boring grown-up errands. Cheery matte colors, crisp white spaces and thick black outlines carve out a child's binary world, in which moods run from hot to cold in a mercurial minute. When Nilson rages, his simian eyes squint, his shoulders hulk, and his mouth spews GAARRRGHH! in oversized, black, block letters. Children will empathize and, thanks to Nilson's absurdity (this ape wears a newsboy cap, multiple watches and Adidas), see tantrums for what they really are--disproportionate and silly. Amelia, a cutie with hair clips, an inky bob, stripy tights and a monster scooter helmet, seems to always keep her cool...until the ice-cream truck runs out of her favorite banana flavor. Watch out! Readers sigh with relief when Nilson shares his scoop, and another fit is averted; they giggle with unexpected pleasure when Amelia kisses him good night and see that he's a pint-sized stuffed animal who's actually been helping her manage her feelings all along. Foot-stomping fit pitchers will take multiple timeouts for this amusing modern fable. (Picture book. 2-4)

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July 1, 2013

PreS-Gr 1-Amelia's constant companion is a giant teal-colored gorilla. She and Nilson play well together, but he occasionally gets frustrated or angry, causing him to throw tantrums. Whenever he threatens to lose his cool, Amelia is there to soothe him by saying, "No fits, Nilson" and offer a pleasant alternative. But sometimes, she needs calming, too. Nilson quells the little girl's temper by letting her take the last banana ice-cream cone while he partakes of the chocolate one instead. Parents will not be surprised to discover in the last picture that Nilson is really a reasonably sized stuffed animal that Amelia uses as a coping tool. The matte illustrations are done in a vibrant palette and give the book an old-fashioned look. Nilson hulks over petite Amelia, but his fierce demeanor is balanced by a heart-shaped patch of tummy fur and a childlike choice of accessories. The simple text set against lots of white space makes this a good read-aloud. Many children will readily identify with this not-too-scary gorilla whose emotions are kept in check by an endearing youngster-or vice versa.-Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

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