Sometimes You Get What You Want by Meredith Gary, Lisa Brown (Illustrator)

From the Publisher

Sometimes you get what you want.

Sometimes you don’t.

This is a book about those times.

Children's Literature

As a first book for children, this title succeeds because of the complete blending of text with pictures. Realistic and lively boys and girls are depicted in many shades of pastels on each page. They are involved in many activities that range from splashing in puddles to waiting one's turn on the sliding board to eating, making a mess with finger paints and then cleaning it up. Even a time for doing something alone (using the bathroom) is contrasted with getting help in brushing one's teeth. Bedtime choices involve going right to sleep or sharing a bedtime story with a sibling. A charming and very expressive yellow cat appears in almost every scene and is sure to captivate the youngsters using this delightful book. While the message of the choice to do what one wishes (or not) is very clear, it is not overwhelming. Young children will enjoy this book as it certainly revolves around very realistic situations in their lives. Put this on the first purchase list and see how popular it becomes. Reviewer: Sylvia Firth

School Library Journal

PreS-K- Gary's concise text conveys an important life lesson about the need to balance fun, responsibility, and respect for others. As two siblings wake up, dress, and spend a day at school, they learn that sometimes they get what they want, but sometimes they don't. The examples are carefully tailored to speak to young readers: "Sometimes your friends want to do what you're doing. Sometimes they want to do something else," "Sometimes it's your turn. Sometimes you have to wait," or "Sometimes you get to make a mess. Sometimes you have to clean up." Appealing illustrations depict each scenario and keep the tone light. Background scenery, props, and adult characters are portrayed in black lines and white and gray shades, while the children are fully fleshed out with a variety of skin tones and bright-hued clothing. Whether the youngsters are glowing with happiness or scowling in frustration, their emotions are clearly portrayed. This story uses a simple approach to tackle big issues such as relationships with peers, acceptable social behaviors, and dealing with disappointment. A good choice for storytime, classroom use, and parent-child sharing.-Anne Parker, Milton Public Library, MA

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