A brown-skinned child describes the range of experiences that make them cry, and the different emotions triggered by each. Falling off a bike and skinning their knee brings tears of pain, while striking out at bat results in tears of disappointment. Anger, fear, sadness, laughter, and overwhelming love all produce tears, and the child describes being filled with strong feelings “Until I think I might burst / But when I let my tears out / My feelings fit perfectly inside my body … / And I know it's okay that / Sometimes / I cry.” The everyday relatable moments described and pictured offer reassurance that crying is a normal response experienced by everyone. (Ages 3-7)

From Jess Townes with illustrations by Daniel Miyares, this poignant picture book deftly tackles the wide array of emotions experienced in childhood, and especially reminding readers that there’s nothing wrong with crying.

Sometimes I cry
. . . when I’m angry.
. . . when I’m scared.
. . . when I’m happy.

There are all sorts of feelings that can make us cry—from disappointment to joy, from grief to love. Sometimes I Cry offers a gentle and necessary affirmation of the emotional complexity of growing up. Powerful, poignant, and universally relevant, it is a triumph for readers of any age.

Sometimes I cry.
And that’s okay.