FRANCINE’S DAY

Suggesting that even toddlers have bad days, Alter’s story is balanced with equal measures of gravity and levity. It ultimately proffers the nugget of wisdom that every day, even the most blah, contains something to enjoy. “Francine did not want to get out of bed.” But the clinking of dishes in the kitchen indicates that the day is ready for her. Francine’s every step seems arduous, from taking off her pajamas to walking into class. She wishes to be at home having a picnic with her mother instead of sitting at the snack table. She feels so solemn she doesn’t even want to go to the playground. But Francine presses on, and by the time she arrives home, some of the day’s high points have sunk in. She finds herself singing to her stuffed animals. In fact, Francine doesn’t even want to go to bed. Alter’s ink-and-watercolor illustrations are pale, still, and the characters are fairly expressionless. Though austere, their tranquility kindles warmth to bring readers comfort in their ennui. (Picture book. 4-7)