Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3--Suzie Sunshine, Suzie Clear Skies, Suzie Daydream--whatever she's called, this child with yellow hair, rosy cheeks, and eyeglasses spends a lot of time alone because she has a Blush. It's at first a small red monster that is slightly annoying and gets in the way at times. When Suzie gets to school, Blush grows when she is called on and becomes so large that she's essentially paralyzed. Her mother, with black hair and brown skin, reminds her that she shouldn't worry so much about what others think. Suzie sees the blushes of other children and warns Blush that it can stick around, but only in her pocket. The confetti-colored illustrations grow vibrantly red and orange when Blush does, and Suzie's expressive face tells children all they need to know, and likely already feel, whether they can read or not. VERDICT It's a very tidy SEL lesson, but includes a not very scary monster, a realistic and diverse classroom setting, and a cheerful heroine who just needs a little nudge to live her best life.--Ginnie Abbott
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