One to Ten: Squirrel's Bad Day by Carole P. Roman illustrated by Mateya Arkova

One to Ten: Squirrel's Bad Day by Carole P. Roman illustrated by  Mateya Arkova is a new children's picture book that teaches young children how to cope with bad days and life's disappointments. The brightly textured watercolor art by Arkova is inviting for children of all ages.  The animated characters and their friendly, and sincere personalities will draw in the young readers and they follow along.  This story addresses common challenges little ones face- cancelled plans, bad weather, embarrassment, bad grades, divorced parents and the loss of a beloved pet-  to name a few. Using a technique to relieve stress and to decrease anxiety, squirrel learns a new coping technique  based on numbering the problem on a one to ten scale. The story ends with a few wise words that will have a lasting impact on children of all ages.   "In the event that something happens, and you feel your world fly apart, recall this conversation; remember the one to ten chart.... Once you give it a number... the problem doesn't feel so big, and somehow you'll know what to do." (Roman, 2016) Parents can use this story with their children as a springboard to address life problems and situations. Once again, Carole P. Roman shows her versatility as a children's writer.