The powerful message of this optimistic book, intended for toddlers, is ageless.
Told simply through the stories of squirrel, bird, fox, and dog, who suffer various losses and pitfalls, the message that an unfortunate situation can improve hinges on a simple, decisive "but then...". Mindful living, a buoyant spirit-these are the qualities that will turn bad into good.
As a mother, what I take away from the book is that there will be meltdowns, for example, but they should not, need not, dictate the course of the day. The story perfectly complements mothering at its best.
And it doesn't always take a larger nut, in the case of squirrel, to turn the day around-it could simply mean having a greater appreciation for the small, everyday things we take for granted, or surprising someone with an unexpected treat. Or giving extra hugs.
Making a determined, honest effort to turn a "bad day" into a good day is an invaluable lesson that even the oldest among us
will appreciate.
