Sometimes I Feel…

Full of similes like, ‘strong as an ox’ or ‘curious as a cat’, this small, square beautifully illustrated hardback book is a treat to the eye as well as the ear with its poetic text.  The feelings – many of them – are gloriously illuminated: ‘Sometimes I feel as brave as a lion. But when the roar of the storm seems frightening… I know it will pass, and so will my fear.’  Its circular organisation is an interesting approach – it begins with feeling as big as a bear and ends with feeling ‘as timid as a mouse’, who knows that if he ‘stands tall’ he can ‘find his inner courage and come to feel as big as a bear’.  This author/illustrator’s ink and watercolour illustrations are sophisticated and quite remarkable, showing both empathy and courage.  A very special small book.