Product Description

While in the park Sophie decides she wants a cookie and throws a tantrum when her mother will not give her what she wants.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #66317 in Books
• Published on: 1999-03-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 32 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780395700280
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From Publishers Weekly
Blumenthal evokes the all-out, single-minded hysteria of a child's tantrum in this minor first book. On a routine walk home from the park, Sophie becomes transfixed by a delectable-looking chocolate-covered cookie in the hand of another toddler. When her mother can't produce one, Sophie's demand escalates in urgency: " 'I WANT ONE!' she yelled, shaking her head from side to side, banging her feet on the ground. 'I WANT A COOKIE! I WANT A COOKIE!' " (The tantrum-verite prose occupies no less than seven spreads). Stevenson's (The Tangerine Tree) illustrations become more surreal as Sophie's tantrum snowballs: in one picture, pairs of violently kicking legs surround an angry red chili pepper face. When her frenzy suddenly abates, the pictures show tranquil scenes of wide lawns with leafy shadows. Even well-mannered children are likely to recognize Sophie's scene-making screaming, and the example of her nonjudgmental, unflappable mother (who surprises Sophie with a cookie after a nap and dinner) may hearten weary parents. Those weary parents will probably enjoy reading this story aloud, too?Blumenthal's one-note joke will let them rant and rave to their heart's content. Ages 3-6.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-K?A slice-of-life picture book that acknowledges the intense emotions of a toddler. On the way home from the park, Sophie spots another child eating a chocolate-covered cookie. "I want a cookie," she says pointing a stubby finger, "I want that cookie." Despite her mother's calm and logical responses, Sophie becomes more and more upset, finally launching into a tantrum that involves kicking, screaming, tears, and a face as "hot as a pepper." When the moment passes, an exhausted Sophie takes a nap and calmly eats her supper. The straightforward and simply worded text uses repetition to express the child's fury, frustration, and helplessness. As the little girl's emotions build to a crescendo, the language becomes more and more staccato, quickly returning to normal after the storm passes. The average-quality illustrations, painted with brightly colored acrylics, echo Sophie's emotional state, as pleasant images of the park turn into scenes of alienation and anger. One scene places her at the top of an erupting volcano, while another shows a red-hot pepper, surrounded by pairs of kicking feet. Both words and pictures capture the sudden and surprising intensity of the tantrum, and the reassuring comfort of the recovery. This title can be useful as bibliotherapy for children still too young for Aliki's Feelings (Greenwillow, 1984).?Joy Fleishhacker, New York Public Library
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
"A slice-of-life picture book that acknowledges the intense emotions of a toddler. On the way home from the park, Sophie spots another child eating a chocolate-covered cookie. 'I want a cookie,' she says pointing a stubby finger, 'I want that cookie.' Despite her mother's calm and logical response, Sophie becomes more and more upset, finally launching into a tantrum that involves kicking, screaming, tears, and a face as 'hot as a pepper.' . . . The straightfoward and simply worded text uses repetition to ecpress the child's fury, frustration, and helplessness. . . . Both words and pictures capture the sudden and surprising intensity of the tantrum, and the reassuring comfort of recovery. This title can be useful as bibliotherapy for children still too young for Aliki's Feelings." -- Review

Customer Reviews

At last, a parent allows their child to have feelings!
Sophie sees another child with a cookie, (and she's cranky and hungry and it's naptime) and she REALLY wants a cookie, but her mom says "no", they don't have one today, and Sophie has a tantrum, while her mom stands and listens and watches- she's there for her daughter without interfering, and when Sophie is done with her feelings, they go home, there is no judgement or shaming directed at Sophie for her "freak out", just matter-of-fact kindness. It's SO refreshing! I particularly like the message of the book which is that adults don't have to give children whatever they want or try to reason with them, distract them, etc.. They simply need to let children have their feelings about not getting what they want.

This is a wonderful book for toddlers and their parents!
Deborah Blumenthal puts her finger on the frustrations experienced by two-year-olds who don't know how to stop their tantrums once they start. The colorful and charming illustrations keep kids' attention, and the text is simple enough for your toddler to follow and memorize. It's a "universal," captivating book that really struck a chord with my own young son. Anyone dealing with the so-called "terrible twos" should like this book!

We love this book!!
What a fun and wonderful book this is. My 3 1/2 year old son loves it and even reads aloud with me his favorite parts (THE COOKIE! THE COOKIE!). We really relate to how Sophie feels when she gets really angry and what it feels (and looks)like to have a tantrum. There are no judgements in this book, only real feelings and patience and understanding from a mom. And it has a peaceful loving ending too. Bravo! to Harvey Stevenson and Deborah Blumenthal.... encore! encore!