When I Miss You (The Way I Feel)

A young guinea pig describes situations that make him miss his parents, how it feels to miss them, and what he can do to feel better, and includes an author's note for parents and teachers.

PreSchool-K–This picture book addresses the separation anxiety that most children experience in their early years. A young guinea pig expresses his feelings in a primal way: "I miss you when you have to go to work. I want you, but you're not there." Further along, he uses rationalizations that sound adult and out of character: "Everyone has things they need to do. Soon we'll see each other again." Parkinson's colorful, appealing paintings skillfully reflect the little animal's emotions as they change from sadness to anger to acceptance. Complete with a note to adults, the book serves its purpose of providing bibliotherapy, but with a rather didactic tone. Kathi Appelt's Oh My Baby, Little One (Harcourt, 2000) and Audrey Penn's The Kissing Hand (Child & Family, 1993) are much sweeter and better-written variations on the same theme.–Be Astengo, Alachua County Library, Gainesville, FL
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PreS-K. In this picture book from the well-received the Way I Feel series, Spelman offers support for children with separation anxiety and, in a note to parents and teachers, practical advice for helping kids cope. A little guinea pig narrates, telling her parents how she feels and how she comforts herself when they leave her at day care or with a babysitter. She even mentions how unsettling a parent's business trip can be. While acknowledging anger and sadness ("Missing you is a heavy, achy feeling"), the text and illustrations show the little guinea pig moving beyond her initial despondency into play, laughter, and good times, including the happiness of being reunited. Few picture books deal with this common childhood trial in such a helpful way, acknowledging the emotions and providing reassurance. The lively illustrations feature lively line drawings washed with warm, glowing colors are drawn with a keen eye for the child's world. A good resource for parents and a natural choice for children who will take comfort in finding their emotions mirrored in a picture books. Carolyn Phelan
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