Freshly Squeezed

Reach for this book when your child is having a tough day where nothing seems to go their way, especially if they have struggled with friends interrupting their plans or personal space. It is a perfect choice for children who feel easily overwhelmed by social demands when they just want a moment to themselves. In this story, Jim Panzee is simply looking for a quiet moment to enjoy an orange, but his well-meaning friends have other ideas. The book explores themes of patience, social boundaries, and the very relatable frustration of being interrupted. It is a wonderful tool for validating a child's need for autonomy while teaching them how to navigate the 'helpfulness' of others with grace. Parents will appreciate the humor and the gentle way it models that it is okay to feel grumpy when things do not go as planned. It provides a safe space to discuss how to tell friends when you need space, making it a great pick for the preschool and kindergarten set.