Oh, Panda by Cindy Derby
Published by Random House Children's Books on 9/5/2023
ISBN: 0593564723
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

 

In this tale told through beautiful, transporting illustrations & sparse text, young Panda loses his new butterfly friend over a mountain and tries with all his might to surmount this obstacle & their caregivers’ hesitancy so they can play together. 

Written as though speaking directly to Panda, the narrator is initially unsupportive and overly cautious in regards to Panda’s challenge. As Panda makes several unsuccessful attempts to climb the towering, slippery mountain, the narrator repeatedly tries to distract them with playing or snacks, telling Panda the problem is too large for them to solve on their own. Once the narrator realizes Panda has no interest in giving up their goal to play safely, they come around and give them the encouragement & support they need to finally climb the mountain, where they find their butterfly friend waiting for them. 

The message could get a little jumbled depending on who’s reading the story – our narrator can come off as a little overly cold towards Panda at times, and their communication with Panda is lacking. Overall, this is a tale that will speak to every cautious toddler & preschool caregiver’s heart, reminding them that love is sometimes letting them do the tough stuff. 

 

Reviewed by Paiten Price – Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, ME