We've all been there! There are days when being gentle and understanding just doesn't work, and we scream and shout and become thoroughly unpleasant. Ellie Jelly's mum is having just such a day, not helped by the fact that Ellie is grumpy and demanding, and baby sister Grace needs lots of attention too. When Ellie spills the milk all over the table and the floor, mum starts shouting and throwing things: 'You are a very naughty girl! What were you thinking? I don't know why I ever bother trying to do nice things! You both ruin everything!' Ellie starts crying and shaking and has 'a horrible whooshy feeling', so she runs off to her room to hid under the bed. Mum phones to Granny, who comes to help with Grace, and mum finds Ellie and they have a long cuddle and a good talk. Mum explains that she is very tired and is having a bad day, and she apologises to Ellie for the things she has said. She loves Ellie and Grace 'more than the whole world', and so they are friends again. This story is redolent of the problems that can arise so easily when mum is tired and trying to cope with two young children, both of whom are demanding attention, and it will be enjoyed by both parent and child who sometimes face similar situations. The sensitive, colourful, and accurate illustrations add a great deal to the story. An unusual theme which could do with more talking about. Available from Amazon, from book shops, and from the publisher: www.jkp.com.