Gloria’s Big Problem

Gloria loves to sing. She sings opera, she sings rock, and she sings musical theatre numbers. But she only sings when she is alone. She would like to sing for other people, but she has a Big Problem that follows her everywhere, and that Big Problem fills her head with all the things that could go wrong if she were to, say, go to the movies with a friend, or stay at a friend’s house overnight, or sing out loud in music class or at a birthday party or anywhere else. Her brother and his friends laugh at her; her parents are dismissive. When there is an open call for the town musical, kids from all over town are going to audition and Gloria finds herself in the auditorium with her Big Problem. Can she find a way to fulfill her desire to audition?

Sarah Stiles Bright has written a clever story for young people to help them overcome their fears and insecurities. Illustrator Mike Deas has created a very cute representation of the Big Problem many kids have that completes this cute picture book nicely. This text-heavy picture book is perfect for youngsters six to eight years old.