Glenna the Gorilla Learns about Gentleness, by J.M. Ashmore, follows a playful young gorilla who’s full of energy, curiosity, and good intentions, but who hasn’t quite learned how much her strength affects the world around her. As Glenna swings, climbs, explores, and plays with her new friend Gia, she accidentally pushes too hard, breaks a fragile nest, startles a butterfly, and even hurts herself. Through these small but meaningful moments, she begins to understand that gentleness isn’t weakness. It’s care in action, for friends, animals, delicate things, and her own body.

I appreciated how simply the story handles a virtue that can feel abstract to young children. Gentleness becomes something visible and practical here: a softer push, a slower hand, a more careful step. I found that especially useful because the book doesn’t scold Glenna for being spirited. It lets her remain joyful and enthusiastic while gently showing her how to bring thoughtfulness into that energy. The writing is clear and steady, with enough repetition and playful sound to keep young readers anchored. There’s a sweetness to Glenna’s mistakes that feels true to childhood. Kids often learn through their bodies first, and this story understands that.

The artwork is warm, bright, and inviting, with soft forest greens, golden light, round expressive faces, and a cheerful sense of movement. Glenna’s world feels safe and sunny, which suits the book’s tender message. I especially liked the scenes with the tire swing, the butterfly, and the bird’s egg because they give the idea of gentleness a visual tenderness children can feel before they fully explain it. The faith element is present but not heavy-handed, framed through the Fruit of the Spirit and supported by discussion questions, a short gorilla fact section, and a Bible verse at the end. That extra material makes the book feel less like a quick read and more like a conversation starter for families.

Glenna the Gorilla Learns about Gentleness is a thoughtful picture book with a clear moral center and a genuinely useful message. It’s best for preschool and early elementary children, especially those who are big-hearted, busy, impulsive, or still learning how to be careful with their strength, their words, and the little living things around them.

Pages: 29 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GT4876RD