Punch! A Story About Kindness

Wordplay propels Hall’s witty and compassionate story about kindness as one response to difficult behavior. When Badger, flushed with anger and “looking for trouble,” physically mistreats fellow forest-dwellers Frog, Moose, Elephant, and Bear, the four victims hatch a three-part revenge scheme—one whose tactics continually surprise. Bear sneaks up while Badger digs in the sun, and then “Punch!” Blocky painted paper collages against a white background show Badger cowering, until a page turn reveals the ursine character merely offering a glass of orange punch. Later actions humorously involve other fist-fight puns (“Belt! Sock!”), while visual storytelling provides a hint about the emotional origins of Badger’s foul mood. And a closing scene points to the takeaway that kindness begets kindness, making for an endearing end to a winsome book about one way of caring for loved ones in distress. Ages 4–8. (Apr.)