IN A MINUTE!
by Virginia Miller & illustrated by Virginia Miller
The lovable, toddler-friendly bear duo of George and Bartholomew returns in a humorous tale about waiting. Miller’s (I Love You Just the Way You Are, 1998, etc.) affectionate pair enact a universal scenario for young children; George is busily doing his chores while young “Ba” trails after him, entreating George to come play. “In a minute, Ba” is George’s inevitable response as he hurries through the daily housework. However, when George finally finishes and is ready to play, he receives a surprise: Ba doesn’t want to play childhood games, he wants to play housework! Thus, Ba and George diligently bring in more firewood, do more laundry, and re-sweep the floors until the exhausted pair treat themselves to a nice luncheon and a well-earned snooze. Miller reveals a keen understanding and a wry appreciation of the parent/toddler relationship. With a gentle touch and a dash of humor, she sympathetically examines a familiar source of strife between a parent and child. The full-color drawings, rendered in soft pencil, are sweetly charming. Subtle colors compliment the gently blurred drawings, extending the cozy feel of the tale. Parents and children alike will enjoy repeated readings of this appealing and reassuring story. (Picture book. 2-5)