Playing Possum, written by Jennifer Black Reinhardt, reviewed by Judy Hauser

Summary: Alfred the Possum had a nervous nature so he did not like to be the center of attention. He did not do well at school or at sports and the thought of making friends terrified him. But one day Alfred noticed Sofia an armadillo. When an armadillo is nervous it curls into a ball and when a possum is nervous it plays dead. So, upon their meeting, Alfred played dead and Sofia curled up into a ball. The story progresses with these two characters feeling more comfortable with each other. If Alfred froze, Sofia waited. If Sofia curled up into a ball, Alfred waited. Children may identify with Alfred and Sofia who both felt afraid at times. Then Alfred and Sofia decided to help others who may be afraid like a cow, a skunk and an armadillo. It took patience and forgiveness to make friends but it worked. The story of friendship using animals with nervous characteristics that are real is fun and will resonate with children. And the illustrations of Alfred and Sofia working through their friendship with one another and with others are perfect. This book of friendship and overcoming situations that make us nervous is perfect for young children. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This is a great book about friendship for young children. If there are children who get nervous in situations or who have a hard time making friends this book will be helpful in teaching them that it happens to others and can be overcome.