Super Star Children's Book Review: Jenny Mei Is Sad

Welcome to the monthly children’s book review feature here at Bird Meets Worm! My team of reviewers—Joan Charles, Laurie L. Young—and I are thrilled to pieces to be celebrating an exciting variety of gorgeous children’s books across all genres that delight, challenge and intrigue! Here at Bird Meets Worm we believe the world is a better, happier, more empathetic place for you and me and everyone when we connect through the magic of storytelling. Look for a new review on the second Wednesday of every month.

JENNY MEI IS SAD
Written & Illustrated by Tracy Subisak
Picture Book (ages 4-8) • 40 pages
Published by Little, Brown and Company • 2021
ISBN 978-0-316-53771-1

Jenny Mei is bright and full of smiles. She’s a good friend and a beloved class clown.

But she’s also sad. Sad in a big way that can’t be easily solved, and it stays with her thru fun times, not-so-fun times and all the rest in-between. In the expressive, primary color-toned artwork, Subisak deftly reveals the source of Jenny’s sadness: a family member’s illness.

And just as Jenny’s sadness stays with her, so does her best friend—thru laughter, anger and tears. Jenny Mei Is Sad celebrates how being present in a friendship can have the power to support and comfort. And like all the best celebrations, this one end with a shared treat: popsicles!

Perfect for exploring the complexities of the emotion sadness, while also learning how to be a good friend, Jenny Mei Is Sad is actually a joy.

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Reviewed by: Jane Smith