Bernice Gets Carried Away

PreS-Gr 1—The story line of Harrison's latest picture book doesn't break any new ground—a group of cute anthropomorphized animals attend a birthday party, one of whom feels like the odd cat out—but it's her skillful illustrations, candy-colored palette, and understated humor that elevate this tale of a bad mood turned around. The scene opens on an overcast day in the park as a group of furry partygoers gathers. In the foreground is Bernice, an unhappy tabby whose darling pink romper and Peter Pan-collared shirt belie her defiantly crossed arms and angry scowl. The other guests each receive a frosting rose on their piece of cake—poor Bernice only gets a plain white square. Everyone else gets ice-cold strawberry-melon soda—Bernice gets warm prune-grapefruit. Harrison depicts the happy-go-lucky guests enjoying the festivities on the verso, while sourpuss Bernice is juxtaposed on the recto, isolated on an all-white background, her feelings clearly evident in her petulant expression. The frustrated feline finally decides she's had enough and absconds with a bunch of balloons, unintentionally floating up, up, and away. It's when she encounters a brooding black rain cloud—having a bad day himself—that she discovers a bit of empathy within and is able to put her own problems in perspective, cheering up a "very blue bluebird" and a "surly gray squirrel" as her own mood reverses. The text is kept to a minimum, with carefully chosen words that lend the narrative a dry humor. Young readers who've experienced moments of jealousy and frustration can't help but feel a bit of kinship with Bernice. Harrison includes clever details, like the "Do Not Perturb" and "Home is Where the Nuts Are" signs that adorn the entrance to the squirrel's home. Her acrylic on Bristol board illustrations artfully play with perspective, light, and texture, making Harrison an illustrator to watch.