Love You When You Whine
by Emily Jenkins; illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier
Reviewed by Ilene Goldman
The cover and title of Emily Jenkin’s new book simply called to me. The little ponytailed Kitten looks forlorn and in need of a hug. I was immediately comforted by knowing that she is loved even when whining. She is loved when she interrupts, doesn’t say please, paints the walls (and the dog) and won’t get dressed. She’s loved when she does all those things that we have to learn, eventually, not to do.
The mischievous glint in Kitten’s eyes is unmistakable. Kitten is just having some fun, seeing how things work and figuring out her limits. Mom looks alternately glum, frustrated, and dismayed. I know I have made all of those faces, sometimes all within 15 minutes. Ruzzier’s illustrations capture the grimaces so acutely, I could've been looking in a mirror.
Kitten and her antics also made me think of Maurice Sendak’s characters. As Kitten chews with her mouth open and puts crayons in the dryer, how can we not think of Where the Wild Things Are and mischief-making Max? In the end, Max longs to return to “where someone loved him best of all.” Kitten is loved the best way of all—her mom hugs her and says “Love you, always. Yes, I do.” And, she doesn’t have to play with monsters first!
This lovely cuddle-up book will certainly prompt conversations about “How do you think Kitten is feeling? Do you do that sometimes? Do Mommy and Daddy like it when you behave like that?” Jenkins talks on her website of reading the book with her own daughter, who inspired it at age two, and having such conversations. I look forward, not to the tantrums, but to being able to share this book and that talk with my own daughter.
Other books by this author: That New Animal, Hug Hug Hug
Rating: *\*\*\
Comments