I WANT MY MOMMY!

Though he is distressed that his mother is going out for the whole day without him for the first time, Arthur and Grandma do their best to play through his bouts of moodiness and engage in some adventurous fun.

Small Arthur the mouse, dressed in a cozy, bright green dragon costume, is an adorable little fellow sure to instantly charm readers. Mommy takes him to Grandma’s house, where he is greeted with a big hug, “[b]ut soon it was time for Mommy to go.” Arthur “waved and waved until Mommy was gone.” Sympathetic Grandma suggests some activities. Paint a picture? “Rargghh!” Make some dragon music? “OK!” Each time Arthur and Grandma get carried away with their imaginary games, the doorbell rings. And each time Arthur is disappointed when it is the letter carrier or a neighbor instead of his mother. Dedicated Grandma matches each moment of despair with an even better idea. From hiding treasure to protecting its hiding place from the tickling Grandma-Knight, Arthur is kept happily occupied. When the doorbell rings one more time, brave Arthur the dragon is ready to battle whoever dares to enter. What a surprise when it is Mommy! Corderoy and Edgson combine an engaging text with a variety of full-page and spot illustrations that capture exciting episodes of dramatic play—Grandma brandishing her feather duster as a sword is particularly impressive—and glimpses of fleeting emotion.

This winning tale with considerable child appeal will entertain young readers whether they suffer from a bit of separation anxiety or not.