Kirkus Reviews

Unlike Molly Bang's Sophie, when Claire gets angry, there are some significant consequences.The day starts out like any other, with Claire and her stuffed white rabbit, Fluffy, looking forward to many things. But when a "tiny button" pops off Fluffy's outfit (which matches Claire's), then the box of Super Choco Puffs cereal is found to be empty, then all the neighborhood kids want to swing at the same time as Claire…readers can see Claire's gaze turn a little more manic, her teeth and hands clench a little tighter with each new frustration. The last straw, though, is when it starts to pour just as it's finally Claire and Fluffy's turn on the swing. Her anger rages so wildly that Fluffy grows to be 50 feet tall and goes on a rampage against all that has frustrated Claire: the tiny-button factory, the cereal delivery trucks, the beloved park swingset. But just as soon as this last is smooshed to bits, Claire regains control and is remorseful. Her friends at the park are understanding and tell her "We've all been there before." Claire, Fluffy in tow, puts all back to rights. Boldt's digital illustrations keep the focus on Claire's emotions, her expressiveness leaving no doubt in readers' minds as to how she is feeling. The fact that Fluffy's face never changes in the slightest adds welcome humor. Claire has straight, black hair, brown eyes, and pale skin; other kids at the park are diverse. Pair with a book that will teach children alternatives to unleashing their own inner Fluffys. (Picture book. 4-8)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Claire works hard to hold things together when life hands her disappointments. But everyone has a breaking point, and Claire reaches hers after a morning of frustration (it starts to rain just as she finally gets a turn on the swing). She channels her anger into her stuffed bunny, Fluffy, who grows into a towering giant capable of smashing anything that has thwarted its owner (-CRRRRRRRUNCH!- goes the swing set when Fluffy stomps on it). The destructiveness of her anger and its impact on others shocks Claire back into reality; her apology and willingness to put things right prompts reassurances that -We-ve all been there before- (her friends also recall their own larger-than-life outbursts, triggered by bath times and brussels sprouts, among other dislikes). Boldt (123 versus ABC) has created a bobblehead-style heroine whom readers should find instantly sympathetic in moods good and bad. And while 50-foot Fluffy is a furry force to be reckoned with-the character makes the most of Boldt-s dimensional drawing style-it-s also clear that the rabbit, like its owner, will be back to its old self in no time. Ages 4-8. Agent: Jennifer Rofé, Andrea Brown Literary Agency. (Aug.)

School Library Journal (Wed Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

PreS-Gr 1 When Claire and her toy bunny Fluffy are happy, they are delightful and cute. When they are angry though, she is a freckle-faced Fury with a 50-foot stuffed fluffy. Despite the fact that they don't get riled easily, each incident makes it harder to hold in, until finally they burst. Their titanic tantrum topples the town. Only after destroying their favorite swing do they calm down and regret their actions. The narrator (who addresses the girl sometimes), and the tone of the book, are empathetic toward Claireshe's had a bad day, after all. But the little girl realizes that she has done something wrong, and that she must take responsibility for the destruction she's caused. For a story about emotions, Boldt has sensibly created characters with large heads and expressive facial features. Backgrounds match the girl's mood, shots change to dramatic angles and close-ups to further emphasize them, and key words are blocked. VERDICT For those wanting a tale of emotional transformation similar to Samantha Berger's Crankenstein , this is a funny must-read. Rachel Forbes, Oakville Public Library, Ont.