“Are you mad at me?” is a question that many kids have asked. And in this book, Are you Made at Me? by Tyler and Cody Feder, we get answers to that question. Our ostrich heroine, Opal, must do a task that makes her very nervous, she prepares (her favorite scarf around her neck and corsage in her heart), and off she goes. But every so often she runs into a friend and something happens to make her think they might be mad at her (after all why did they not wave back? Or say hello?). And when this happens, she gets The Noodles (her whole body just turns into a wiggly spaghetti noodle). Of course, she learns that they are not mad, but “did not see her” or were concentrating on something else. This happens over and over until she gets to her destination.
The Feder’s talk about social anxiety in this simple picture book. It is both funny and serious, but enough of both to help not have it too serious or not serious enough. The artwork is delightful and I would have been happy with a wordless picture book for the colors and details. It is not overly busy, but cozy and you can feel the energy. The book looks young but works for various ages. You can adapt it to your child.
And while it might be a little difficult for a group read, a one-on-one would be perfect. Any of the bumps I have with the wording or pacing of the story is just because I am an adult and not the first audience it is meant for. However, in the end this is a solid read, and I think one that will stick with the reader.
