
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the paradox of feeling two big things at once, like loving a parent while being deeply angry at their rules. It is an essential tool for those 'tough' days when a child has been disciplined or left out, helping them understand that love is a constant foundation that survives even the most difficult moods. Through the spunky protagonist Harriet, the book explores how love is expressed through art, words, and actions. It validates a child's frustration while providing the comforting reassurance that love doesn't disappear during a time-out or a disagreement. Perfectly suited for preschoolers and early elementary students, it models emotional resilience and the beauty of unconditional family bonds. Parents will appreciate how it softens the edges of discipline by focusing on the enduring connection between parent and child.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals with everyday childhood stressors like discipline and social exclusion. These are handled in a secular, direct, and highly realistic manner. The resolution is hopeful and stabilizing, emphasizing that temporary anger does not break permanent bonds.
A 4-year-old who is currently testing boundaries and experiencing their first 'big' punishments, or a child who tends to believe that being 'mad' means they are no longer 'loved.'
This book can be read cold. Parents might want to pay attention to the 'time-out' scene to use as a bridge for discussing their own household rules. A parent might reach for this after a particularly explosive afternoon where they had to enforce a strict boundary and the child shouted 'I don't love you' or 'You're mean.'
Toddlers and younger preschoolers will focus on Harriet's funny antics (like the tap-dancing). Older children (6-7) will better grasp the nuance of 'ambivalence,' the idea that you can love someone and be angry at them simultaneously.
Unlike many 'love' books that are purely sentimental, Joosse includes the 'sassy' and 'angry' parts of childhood. It doesn't sanitize the child's experience, making the message of unconditional love feel earned rather than just a platitude.
The book follows Harriet, a spirited young girl, as she navigates various social and emotional scenarios. She demonstrates the different ways love is communicated, such as through handmade drawings or spoken words. Crucially, the narrative addresses 'rupture and repair' moments: being put in time-out for dancing on a table, feeling jealous when a friend goes to a party without her, or being angry at a parent. It concludes by reinforcing that love is a 'good thing to feel' because it is steady and reliable.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.