by Shirley Hughes, Bodley Head, hardback, 10.99
A common occurrence is also the theme of Shirley Hughes' new book. In this case, mum has flu, dad has to go to work and daughter, Lily, doesn't want to stay at Melanie's house for the day. But Melanie's baby, dog and older son all provide fun and distractions for Lily, who returns to her earlier grumble when Dad arrives to take her home: 'Don't want to go.'
This is another hit from Hughes. Every parent, practitioner and pre-school child can relate to this simple story, which treats Lily's feelings with sympathy and reveals the full range of her emotions through its wonderful illustrations.
