I cannot understand why this wise and funny book was omitted from this year's CBCA Notable Books selection. Book 9 . Strongly appealing in the early childhood years, it offers some profound insights to older readers once they have relaxed and let themselves enjoy it. First, it reflects the passionate attention with which young children observe their significant adults and the ways in which adults' actions are interpreted. Secondly, it reveals how long working hours, preoccupation and tiredness in parents can destroy precious opportunities for warm family life.
More mature readers can 'fill in the gaps' in the narrative.
There are several possible explanations. Many people can remember the first time they realised that a parent or adult close to them appeared totally different in unfamiliar settings - seeing a teacher shopping with her family can be a 'big deal' for year one's, for example. I think that talking about some of the harder questions raised in these enjoyable books makes them work even better in challenging and enthralling young readers.