While in the park Sophie decides she wants a cookie and throws a tantrum when her mother will not give her what she wants.
"Toddlers who need some behavioral reflection (and parents who need a role model in fortitude) should put this toward the top of their reading list." The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"A slice-of-life picture book that acknowledges the intense emotions of a toddler. On the way home from the park, Sophie spots another child eating a chocolate-covered cookie. 'I want a cookie,' she says pointing a stubby finger, 'I want that cookie.' Despite her mother's calm and logical response, Sophie becomes more and more upset, finally launching into a tantrum that involves kicking, screaming, tears, and a face as 'hot as a pepper.' . . . The straightfoward and simply worded text uses repetition to ecpress the child's fury, frustration, and helplessness. . . . Both words and pictures capture the sudden and surprising intensity of the tantrum, and the reassuring comfort of recovery. This title can be useful as bibliotherapy for children still too young for Aliki's Feelings." School Library Journal