Picture Book Pick: Seahorse Is Furious and There Is Nothing You Can Do About It

 

Seahorse Is Furious and There Is Nothing You Can Do About It

by Morag Hood

Illustrations by the author

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division

2026

32 pages

ISBN: 97983347109272

Seahorse wakes up on the wrong side of the bed (sea), and the day is just getting started. They've had it with being wet all the time; the ocean is not fun. The seaweed is "ridiculous," and there's nothing anyone, not even their friend Octopus, can do to lighten their mood. They do not want food, not even cookies and does not want a soft blanket nor a cushy stuffed  bunny to hold. Octopus does everything they can think of to help, and sure enough! Eventually Seahorse is smiling again. 

Illustrations are spot-on with capturing the mood of Seahorse and the other ocean dwellers, Seahorse has a terrible frown on the cover while all the other creatures are enjoying their day. Everyone but Seahorse has a smile. After countless attempts by Octopus, Seahorse is smiling also. End papers are cute and colorful and add to this gentle read. The underlying lesson, never preachy, is: it is alright for you to be grumpy sometimes. Everyone is, but do not let that mood define you. 

Highly recommended ages 1 and up. A charming read that will likely become a reader's favorite.