T. L. C.

Plopped on the sofa, Mom is too tired to play and just wants a little T.L.C. Daughter is not exactly sure what that is, but she is determined to deliver. Could T.L.C. be Tart Lemon Custard? No? How about Tiny Licking Chihuahuas? The house becomes increasingly chaotic as the well-meaning little girl tries to cheer up her mom. When nothing works, Mom finally says that all she needs is Tender Loving Care and the doting daughter happily obliges. This bright, lively picture book is great fun. The spunky main characters wacky ideas are comical, and the cartoon illustrations reinforce the humor. Throughout the text, T.L.C. stands out in capital letters and red ink, reinforcing the title and structure of the story. The book is full of critters and clutter in all shapes and sizes, and children will be eager to predict what comes next.