Sourpuss and Sweetie Pie By Norton Juster; Always Written by Ann Stott, illustrated by Matt Phelan

Review by Amy Brozio-Andrews

Like anyone else, kids have good days and bad days. While some kids just feel it and go with it, like the little girl in Sourpuss or Sweetie Pie, other kids might begin to wonder if those bad days mean mom and dad might not love you anymore, like the little boy in Always. Despite dramatically different looks and approaches, these two picture books make a nice reassuring pair for bedtime or naptime or just quiet time reading on rough days.

In Sourpuss or Sweetie Pie, a little girl's grandparents are always glad to see her, even though they're never sure who's she's going be -- Sourpuss or Sweetie Pie. It's hard to say what prompts the change; from getting angry to getting yelled at to no reason at all, sometimes even she can't predict it. Throughout her visit, Sourpuss and Sweetie Pie alternate. One minute, the little girl wants to hear all about how Poppy met Nanna, the next minute, she's complaining about her breakfast. And so it goes, from playing dress up to refusing to wear what Nanna picked out. She's loving and bossy, teary and energetic, and a totally typical kid. As the day winds down, Nanna and Poppy lovingly give her bath and tuck her into bed, even though they've no idea who they'll see tomorrow, Sourpuss or Sweetie Pie. Young readers come away with the feeling that either way, it will be okay.

Norton Juster is the author of The Hello, Goodbye Window and The Phantom Tollbooth; in Sourpuss and Sweetie Pie, he perfectly captures the swiftly changing moods of your average little girl, from delightful to a little bit devilish. Parents and grandparents will immediately recognize this child, as might some young readers who will enjoy watching her act out with Chris Raschka's expressive artwork. From the more angular brushstrokes and cool colors of the girl's sourpuss moods to the softer, warm colored brushstrokes, the book is as appealing visually as it is to sit and listen to.

While it's clear that Poppy and Nanna love their granddaughter whether it's Sourpuss or Sweetie Pie that they see, and their granddaughter obviously feels comfortable enough with them to be completely herself, the young boy in Ann Stott's Always needs a little extra reassurance. Is he loved when he feeds his hamster? What about when he forgets to feed the hamster? How about when he takes his new sneakers for a spin through a couple of puddles? Throughout it all, no matter how many scenarios this little boy comes up with, when it comes right down to it, mom says she loves him always.

Illustrator Matt Phelan's light and airy artwork adds whimsy and innocence to Always. Any parent would be hard-pressed not to find even Phelan's depiction of finger painting with the toothpaste on the bathroom mirror endearing. Always is a great bedtime or quiet time story, the perfect answer to an especially trying day (yours and your child's).