Sometimes I’m Bombaloo

by Rachel Vail Illustrations by Yumi Heo

2002 Scholastic Press

Furious, Irate, Ballistic, Seething, Mad, Incensed, Fuming, Ticked Off, Infuriated, Raging, Angry, BOMBALOO!

Whatever you call it, feeling angry can be overwhelming and scary. Rachel Vail’s book, Sometimes I’m Bombaloo explores feeling angry from the perspective of a child. Katie is a really good kid, but just like everyone, sometimes she gets mad. Not just a little upset, but really, really mad.

Rachel Vail’s simple text and Yumi Heo’s bold, colorful illustrations capture Katie’s emotions beautifully. When her little brother knocks over her castle, she tries to “hold in the tears and pushes and just say, “That’s okay,” but on the inside she’s hurt, and very angry. Sunny yellows and soft pinks give way to dark reds and black as she turns from Katie into Bombaloo.

When she’s Bombaloo, Katie hits and kicks instead of using words. She yells, she wants to smash stuff, and she hates everything. Even taking a time out doesn’t help. Only when something unexpected catches her off guard during her tantrum, does Katie laugh and return to her normal self. And afterwards, Katie feels “sorry and a little frightened. It’s scary, being Bombaloo.” A hug and some help from Mom, and some kisses for her brother, help Katie make a fresh start after her overwhelming experience.

This picture book provides the perfect opportunity for kids and parents to talk about feelings and how they sometimes get the best of us—even grown ups. My boys found the text reassuring, identified with the illustrations, and liked talking about when they feel Bombaloo. As a parent, it made me think about how I handle not just their anger, but my own.