Brantz, Loryn. (2026). I Am a Spicy Nugget. Viking.
Have you ever gotten mad (in this case because Mom said you couldn’t get a penguin today, for a pet) where you feel like nothing can calm you down? Where you want to scream and stomp, you’re so angry?
That’s when you too become a “spicy nugget.” It makes this little one want to throw their teddy bear (poor bear, especially when he offers unsolicited advice). And then she feels even worse.
That’s when you hit “extra-sizzling-super-burning-spicy-times-one-million” spicy nuggest status. Wooooooo doggy. Songs won’t work, or hugs, cookies, or nice words…and when someone says “Chill out…”
Oh lordy. When her bear makes that suggestion she screams in his face. OH NO. But she understands there are some better ways to work it out…take a walk, get some space, go to her room, feel her breathing, remind herself she is safe, hug her body, count to ten…
Her face is just feeling hot (boy do I know this one) and she just needs the world to stop for a second.
But she breathes in and out (you can, too!) and sees her mom waiting for her and she knows it’s ok to be angry…
…she is not her feelings and thoughts. She doesn’t have to keep them all down inside or tie herself into knots (really there is no better way to put that), as long as she doesn’t hurt anyone , she can have those big feelings and her mom lets her know that. She is human! It is totally normal. And when she is ready, there are hugs and safe spaces to be had, and love, even though she is a spicy nugget. She will feel calmer. She can handle it!
Even if she doesn’t remember what she was originally mad about.
This is a super sweet, honest, and funny book about handling those big emotions. Kids are often taught that it’s not ok to express anger (Especially growing up female) so they often don’t know how to do so in a healthy way. This book let’s them know it’s normal, it’s natural, they are still loved and gives them some excellent coping mechanisms for some incredibly overwhelming feelings. As a parent, a former pre-k teacher, a public servant, a library worker, and someone with a psych degree, I absolutely LOVE this book. It’s an absolutely fabulous way to help kids feel seen and to help them manage what feels unmanageable. A+++
Recommended Ages: 3-7
