When Mom is away, a day at home and school can feel gloomy, but the girl in this reassuring, rhyming picture book eventually finds her way to fun. It's a storytime kid-pleaser by bestselling novelist Jill Santopolo.

My mom isn't home, and I'm feeling too sad. I'm too sad for school, for puzzles or swings. Too sad for sparkly butterfly wings.

Most young kids have had this experience of feeling uncomfortable or upset when separated from their parent, even sometimes just at school drop-off. This warm and comforting story is perfect for those moments, or to prepare a child before a parent's business trip or long day away from the house. As our narrator's day continues, she starts to realize that there are plenty of things she can enjoy while not with her mom. And that means more things to tell Mom about when she returns!