Playing Possum by Jennifer Black Reinhardt
Published by Clarion Books on July 7, 2020
ISBN: 1328782700
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

When a possum feels nervous, it freezes and plays dead. This is unfortunate for Alfred — he’s a very nervous possum. When he meets Sophia, a very nervous armadillo, they discover they have something in common. With time and patience, they feel more comfortable around each other, and they realize they can afford the same compassion to other nervous animals.

This is a very sweet book. The message of compassion and patience and letting people be themselves is an important one, and it’s presented well here for young readers. I especially loved the end pages that share more information about the different animals in the book and their defense mechanisms. The illustrations are whimsical and highly detailed. Recommended for readers 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME