Lila Bloom

Reach for this book when your child is in a bad mood and suddenly declares they want to quit a favorite activity. It is the perfect antidote for those days when the car ride to practice is filled with grumbles and crossed arms. The story follows Lila Bloom, a young girl who is having a terrible day and decides she is officially done with ballet. However, as the music starts and her body begins to move, her frustration slowly evaporates. Alexander Stadler captures the physical sensation of a bad mood and the transformative power of movement. This book is developmentally perfect for children ages 4 to 8 who are learning to navigate their emotions and discover how their physical actions can influence their mental state. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's right to be grumpy while gently modeling how to find joy again through creativity and persistence.