No Matter What (Templar Books (Dutton Children's Books))
Charming art featuring an elephant parent and child elevate the familiar sentiments in this affectionate title. The concepts and rhymes are tried and true: “Sometimes you’re happy. Sometimes you’re sad. Sometimes you’re good. Sometimes . . . bad.” But the moving pictures use color and composition with fresh creativity. Through simply rendered, rounded characters; subtle expressions; changing perspectives; and a muted palette brushed with bright touches and textures, Dodd captures the story’s many moods. In an illustration about happiness, the little elephant appears large against sunny orange-red backgrounds; in another spread about feeling sad, textured gray tones emphasize the mood. Other scenarios depict the elephant as “scared,” “brave,” and even a bit naughty. The final, reassuring message (“No matter what you say or do, it makes no difference . . . I love you!”) shows mother and child elephant cuddling under a crescent moon. Parents and children will enjoy sharing this comforting, sweet little book. Preschool. --Shelle Rosenfeld