When Sophie's Feelings Are Really, Really Hurt

About this book

Everyone's feelings get hurt, and it's especially painful in childhood. In this story, Bang's popular character Sophie is hurt when the other children laugh at her and tell her she's wrong. Sophie's face gets hot, and tears begin to flow. Then she questions herself and the value of the choices she's made.

At issue is Sophie's colorful, expressive painting of her favorite tree. Sophie loves it, but her picture is different from the paintings done by the other students. "The sky isn't orange! Trees aren't blue! Your picture is wrong!" they tell her.

In addition to the book's subtle art lesson (imagine the skies of Vincent van Gogh, for example), readers have the opportunity to compare and contrast all the paintings done in Sophie's class. In the end, the students learn there are many different ways to interpret the world -- and each other. Here is a simple story that tackles the common issue of hurt feelings as it gently helps us to be more kind.

Reviews

* "Bang's thickly painted images exude energy and feeling, both in the children's expressions and through the exaggerated dimensions, angles, and colors. It's another lovely study in emotion from Bang and a thoughtful exploration of art-making." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

Praise for When Sophie Gets Angry--Really, Really Angry...
Caldecott Honor Book
Jane Addams Honor Book
ALA Notable Book
Charlotte Zolotow Award
"Bang's evocatively illustrated book suggests no quick fixes; she treats childhood emotions with respect." --Publishers Weekly
"Bang captures the intensity of Sophie's feelings with strong, broadly brushed forms and colors....Sophie finds a way to cope with her anger, quite laudably, without a helping adult hand." --Kirkus Reviews
"Bang's double-page illustrations, vibrating with saturated colors...reveal the drama of the child's emotions."--School Library Journal, starred review
"An elegant and thought-provoking book for...children learning how to deal with emotions." --New York Times Book Review