Book In Review

      The Day Leo Said, I Hate You is a children’s picture book which communicates to both child and parent the importance of communication.  Leo is struggling during his day because everything that he finds to do to entertain himself is earning him a laundry list of “No’s” from his mother. 

       Mom clearly is telling Leo that there are times that she has to say no; however, Leo feels very put upon because he isn’t being allowed to do what he wants.  He resents the word no and he resents being told no by his mother.  In fact, Leo hates the word no.  Finally, in an overflow of emotion…Leo mistakenly tells his mother that he hates her.  He instantly regrets it and mom feels she must teach Leo the difference between hating things and circumstances; and, telling people that he hates them. 

           The pictures in this picture book are designed well to show the activities and the emotions that the characters are feeling.  The feelings that Leo feels are intense and so this book uses a really great true to life situation to be a teachable moment.   Leo not only says something wrong, he chooses to act out while he is angry; which gets him told no once more.   Leo has made a mistake and by talking things through learns how to correct his error and make things right.  Mom shows that even when mistakes are made, there is forgiveness to be had.  She shows love to her child even when he has done wrong.  I think this book will be a wonderful way to use a book meant to educate and entertain to also help build an opportunity for character building.  I think kids from 2-10 can benefit from this book and enjoy it as well.

          The author of the book is Robie H. Harris.  She has a website here:  http://www.robieharris.com/ .  The illustrator of the book is Molly Bang.  Her website is here:  http://www.mollybang.com/ .  The book was published by Little, Brown and Company in 2008.  Their website is:  http://www.lb-kids.com .