Maybe Tomorrow? is a book about grief and the importance of friendship. This book was sad but also sweet in the way that Norris helped Elba through the heavy weight of Elba's grief. I liked how the illustrations were bright and colorful, in contrast to the heavy theme of the book. ( )

Heart warming story that deals with a tough topic, teaches the reader that people in our lives may be going through a tough time, helps the reader on how be a friend to someone who may be experiencing an event such as losing a loved one, fun colorful illustrations, best for elementary aged level (also is a Nutmeg nominee for that age group)

This is a wonderful book about friendship and the idea that you can be there for your friends just by being present. I think we often assume we have to solve problems or figure out issues, but the power of your presence is sometimes the best way to show others your support. Norris is a positive, joyous character that sees the good in everything and Elba is going through a hard time and has a heavy block that is weighing her down. Throughout the story Norris questions Elba but then sits in silence until Elba is ready and often ends the day with "Maybe tomorrow?" and it just gives Elba the confidence that she can do what she needs to do and Norris is not going to give up on her. Eventually, they work together to get to the beach and as they go, Elba's block gets smaller and she's able to talk about her loss and allows her to heal and shrink the block even more. It is such a fantastic book for students to experience true friendship and acceptance. ( )

This is an amazing resource for helping young children to understand feelings of grief, loss, and depression. It also illustrates how others may help us to lift those feelings and lessen them but they probably will not go away completely. It has a touching message of healing and friendship. I would definitley want to get this book for my school library, I think my counselor would like to use it for lessons or for one-on-one time with students who are dealing with a loss.

I first picked this up because of the art style, reminiscient of Tove Jansson’s Moomins, and in some ways it has a similar gentle, comforting feel to it. I was not surprised to learn that the author was originally Swedish.

Elba, the pink hippo, has a big, dark purple block she drags with her everywhere. It’s almost as big as she is and it’s heavy and “made her think darkly.” Norris, the green crocodile, dances everywhere, carefree and happy. When Norris and Elba meet, Norris gently questions Elba - does she want to go on a picnic? How does the block make her feel? Is there something inside it? Norris does not push her to leave the block, simply sits with her and offers “Maybe tomorrow.” Gradually, as Norris patiently meets Elba on her block, brings tea and picnics to her, and his cloud of butterflies, Elba opens up and tells Norris about her friend Little Bird, who is gone. They remember her together and miss her together. Norris gently reminds Elba that “sometimes we have to let things go” as some of his butterflies flit away. Shared with a friend, Elba’s block grows lighter and smaller. She will always have it, but with a friend to help it does not weigh her down so much.

Gonzalez’ art shines softly with shimmering butterflies, blue ocean waves, green trees and grass, and the gentle warmth of a kind friendship. Elba’s distress is visible in her slumped posture and sad face, but as she shares her burden with the cheery Norris, she slowly becomes happier and her burden lightens. Norris has a sympathetic face and expressive eyebrows, patiently listening and helping Elba gradually appreciate the beautiful things in the world and make new friends.

Verdict: Add this to Doerrfeld’s The Rabbit Listened for a nuanced portrait of dealing with heavy emotions. It’s left ambiguous in the story as to whether Little Bird has died or just is gone and readers can easily apply this to their own griefs or those of their friends. Recommended.

ISBN: 9781338214888; Published March 2019 by Scholastic; Borrowed from another library in my consortium