Using it for my Color Violet h cbr12bingo spot!
Who has not been a little nervous about a party? Well Violet Shrink is so nervous she gets downright sick to her tummy and just is not a happy gal. And even when her father tries to cover it up by calling 
them “a bash” or “shindig” in the end it is still a party. And like celery in her soup, Violet does not like parties.
This is a book about kids and their anxiety and speaking up about the issue. With its modern theme Christine Baldacchino (author of Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress) tackles an all too common issue children (and adults) face today. It is a straightforward story, little action except for heading off to parties and eating soup (with said celery). There is the action of Violet pretending as a way to help her cope with her settings, however. Perhaps more for a teacher or parent than a child, but at the same time, could help introduce the subject to a child with a sibling or classmate with the same issue.
Carmen Mok’s illustrations are calm, considering the color purple is a favorite and there are several parties that Violet and Dad find themselves at. They are cozy and calming. They still portray the feeling Baldacchino wants to send, but they are not part of the “overwhelming” situation. If anything, they can be muted at times. Yet, they are always pleasant.
Perhaps not my favorite book of the year, but one that I will be recommending to people. Plus using it for my Color Violet h cbr12bingo spot!