★★★★★
Synopsis: Ed’s bad mood begins with as something small. But before long it grows, gathers pace, and sweeps through the whole town.
If you weren’t looking forward to autumn already, this picture book is sure to put you in the mood!
Sweep is about a boy named Ed, who is in a bad mood that keeps getting worse. His bad mood is personified by a pile of leaves, and everything else that ‘gets in his way’. Pretty soon that includes cars, buses, animals, and people. Sweep teaches children about emotions, and the effect they can have. The story shows how Ed’s bad mood affects everyone around him. Everyone gets ‘swept up’ in it. That is an important lesson to learn, and an important one to be reminded more as an (sort of) adult.
The main reason I gave Sweep five stars is because I never considered emotions to be something children had to be taught about. Obviously, Sweep shows that it is definitely something children can and should be taught about. When I was younger, I threw my own fair share of temper tantrums (the stories are funny now, but apparently, back then, it definitely wasn’t). I think if stories like this were around back then, it definitely could have helped.
Understanding their emotions would help children control them better. If they become angry, picture books like Sweep will help them understand that it is just a bad mood, and they will be much better off letting it ‘blow over’.
Júlia Sardà’s illustrations tie the story together beautifully. I love the autumnal theme of them, especially the earth tones. There is also a touch of humour to them. My favourite illustrations are definitely those of Ed up close. Every time I see his angry face it cracks me up a little.
Even though the main character is angry throughout the story, Sardà did a wonderful job balancing this out, and making sure the illustrations didn’t become too dark or depressing. After all, it’s still a children’s book.
Overall, this is a wonderful collaboration that is a must-have for every child’s bookshelf!
If you would like to buy your own copy of Sweep, you can do so at Book Depository.*
*Please note that I'm a Book Depository affiliate, so I might make a small profit if you use the link above
I would like to thank Egmont Publishing for sending me a review copy in exchange for an honest review
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