GRUMPY PANTS by Claire Messer.  Chicago, IL:  Albert Whitman & Co., 2016. 32p.  ISBN 978-08075-30757 hc. $16.99    Preschool-K   E PIC

Penguin was in a bad mood and "didn't know why."  He tried to shake off his mood by removing every layer of his clothing, including his grumpy boots and grumpy socks.  He took a bath to wash off his gumpriness and got ready for bed, following all his favorite routines.  These self-soothing activities seemed to work because Penguin is shown on the last page, fast asleep and ready for a new day.  What a great way to show young children how to work through their emotions and make every day better than the one before.  Messer also provided the linoleum print illustrations that feature Penguin on a stark background, keeping him the center of the story.  One little eyebrow, along with body posture, does the trick to convey Penguin's mood perfectly.
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI