That Makes Me Mad! [Library Binding]

Steven Kroll (Author), Christine Davenier (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2002 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Uses comic scenes to present situations that can anger young children such as "wanting to help and not being allowed" and "trying hard to do something right and it comes out wrong."

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Nina's ire is stirred by her own limitations, by adults' underestimation, by rules and by toys that insist on getting lost. Kroll (The Biggest Pumpkin Ever), who first published this text in 1976, catalogs these and other peeves with sympathy and honesty, while Davenier (The First Thing My Mama Told Me, reviewed April 22) contributes shimmering, balletically brushstroked spot watercolors that trace the heroine's tempest-tossed internal state. "When you get mad at me and it's not my fault, that makes me mad," Nina says, the titular refrain spelled out in bold type. The words lead into a bathtub drama, in which Nina is left in charge of Tony, her toddler brother and co-bather. As Tony gradually floods the floor (Davenier sends ribbons of translucent blue color flying from the tub and Tony's mouth) Nina's countenance grows stormier, then changes to indignant when her mother holds her responsible. This pattern repeats with scenarios familiar to children and parents everywhere, each rendered respectfully by the artist, who still manages to uncover the humor in each situation. Can Nina's wrath ever be defused? The last spread supplies the answer: "But it makes me feel better when you let me tell you how angry I am!" A warm embrace with her mother on the final page proves that when her frustrations are acknowledged, even Nina can't stay angry for long. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1-A story published in 1976 (Random; o.p.), newly illustrated. Nina talks about all of the things that really make her mad, which is just about everything. It angers her when her dad tells her she is going to love fish for dinner, when she really hates it, or when her mother punishes her because her little brother gets water all over the bathroom floor, when she was supposed to be in charge. She gets mad at herself when she tries to dress herself and "it doesn't come out right." And, "When it's my turn to talk and nobody will listen, that makes me mad." The use of different print sizes and fonts to emphasize mood and expression is visually effective. Colorful, humorous cartoonlike vignettes capture the kindergartner's frustrations and joys in her relationships with her parents, sibling, and friends. This is an excellent concept book to introduce emotions and the importance of controlling them. Teachers can also use it to introduce the nuances of language in print.
Wanda Meyers-Hines, Ridgecrest Elementary School, Huntsville, AL
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (July 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587171848
• ISBN-13: 978-1587171840
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 9.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,976,676 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Steven Kroll is the author of many beloved picture books for children, including "Pooch on the Loose: A Christmas Adventure", illustrated by Michael Garland; "The Biggest Pumpkin Ever", illustrated by Jeni Bassett; and "A Tale of Two Dogs", illustrated by Mike Reed. He lives with his wife in New York City and Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1.0 out of 5 stars More reasons to feel mad, April 26, 2011

By 

Mrs. B's Point of View - See all my reviews

This review is from: That Makes Me Mad! (Hardcover)

This book offers many examples of what might make a child angry. In many of the illustrations the child feels angry because an adult doesn't listen, doesn't keep a promise, or won't allow her to help, etc. In my opinion it could give a child with anger problems more reasons to feel angry. It almost feels like the book was written for adults who are unintentionally provoking their child's anger. Books I highly recommend are: If Everybody Did by JoAnn Stover, Cool Down and Work Through Anger by Cheri Meiners (which offers positive ways to deal with anger), Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud, and for children 9-12 Growing Up with a Bucket Full of Happiness: Three Rules for a Happier Life by Carol McCloud.

4.0 out of 5 stars use with writing topics, February 26, 2010

By 

K. COLLINS "auburnkimme" (atlanta, ga usa) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: That Makes Me Mad! (Hardcover)

I teach 5th, used to be in K. This book will work for all ages. Younger ages is more obvious. For upper grades, discuss emotions. Write about times that make them mad, jubilant, irritated, woeful... Have them write poems "inspired by Steven Kroll."

5.0 out of 5 stars Let's talk..., September 12, 2007

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DJ Joe Sixpack (...in Middle America) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: That Makes Me Mad! (Hardcover)

This is a great book for learning to talk about and work through strong negative emotions, which all children have, providing a model for how to be specific about what is making you mad, and how the frustration makes you feel. It is useful for both children and adults, and is a perfect tool to help open a dialogue about emotions and anger, and how to figure out ways that children can make themselves heard in a healthy, respectful manner. If tantrums, etc., have become a big issue in your family, this is definitely worth checking out. (ReadThatAgain)