No, I want Daddy And Spring

Children change their allegiance like the weather especially if they don't get what they want. No, I want Daddy! written by Nadine Brun-Cosme and illustrated by Michel Backes wonderfully illustrates this childhood sentiment.

"Anna comes home from school feeling happy and full of plans." But her mama said no to candy, TV and no to a playdate. Mama was in a bad mood and Anna didn't understand why. So when Daddy comes home Anna is delighted and wants nothing to do with mama. She even sends her away at tuck in time. But Anna can't sleep. (OK as I'm writing this post my three year old hid this book so I would get off the computer, but now I've recovered it.) Anna can't sleep. She feels like crying as she watches the door. Then she sees mama's shadow and she feels much better. Mama apologizes that she was tired so she said no to everything. Tomorrow Anna can have her friend over. Mama reads a bedtime story and with a kiss and a hug, "Anna happily closes her eyes... and falls fast asleep." I really like to have books at home that describe/illustrate emotions for young children who may not yet have the words to explain feelings of rejection, remorse or discontent.

Discontent reminds me of the opening paragraph from The Wind in the Willows. After the torrential rains we've had here, the sun is shining and I'm watching spring flowers pop up everywhere. Welcome Spring!

The Mole had been working very hard all the morning, spring-cleaning his little home.... Spring was moving in the air above and in the earth below and around him, penetrating even his dark and lowly little house with its spirit of divine discontent and longing.