What is wonderful about this series of books is that they have a dual purpose. They teach parents how to handle children with problems in a loving and non-judgemental way, and they are also good children's stories. Aimed at adopted and fostered children and their new parents, they show some of the common behavioural and physical problems that children who have suffered in the early years of their lives can exhibit. Each book has pages at the end to give parents advice on using the stories. In this one, Rosie has managed to put such a shell around herself that she keeps out friends as well as family. Often rude to her parents because they tell her things she must do, like putting on her coat because it's cold outside, or telling her not to be nasty to her brother, Rosie rejects cuddles and finally decides that because her parents don't seem to mind that she has a grumpy face and carries around a tortoise shell, she will run away. Mum's efforts to help her pack are angrily and rudely rejected, and off she stomps. But it is cold outside, and mum's offered sweater soon begins to look like a good idea. Wise mum sees Rosie peering through the window at the family happily at tea and leaves the front door open a crack so that Rosie can hear the conversation inside - which consists of mum hoping that Rosie 'will be able to come into the warm soon. It must be very difficult feeling so cross with your mum all the time. I will put her tea in the oven to keep warm.' Rosie can feel her shell getting thinner, and her understanding mum is pleased when she returns from the cold. A child like this must be a particularly difficult 'nut to crack', and the advice here will be useful for parents of all really angry- with-the-world children. Written by a mum who has had five adopted children (along with her daughter, the original Rosie!), the books in this series will prove invaluable to those who must deal with children with serious background difficulties. The pictures are wonderfully simple and effective, full of grey and brown and taupe, with solid characters - very reassuring. Available form Amazon, from book shops, and from the publisher: www.jkp.com.