It’s So Difficult

Raúl Nieto Guridi, Lawrence Schimel (Translator) Eerdmans Books for Young Readers (MAR 1) Hardcover $17.99 (40pp), 978-0-8028-5584-8 Capturing anxiety via illustrative spreads that move from claustrophobic blurs to stark, dizzy sketches, this sympathetic picture book walks children through a typical day for a boy who’s afflicted by dread. Even making it outside is a challenge, and taking note of much beyond himself requires concentration—but it’s important to the boy that he presses on, while also affording himself grace. He can’t always say “hi” back or smile, but he can, and does, try; he finds that kind people understand.