Books at Bedtime: Why Can't I Play?
Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010
Why Can’t I Play? A story about making friends by Elizabeth Hawkins and illustrated by Bill Bolton (Tamarind Books, 2010) starts off with plenty of reasons that young listeners will pick up on straight away as to why the children at the sandpit shouldn’t let Becca “the new girl” play with them. She blocks tunnels, spoils drawings in the sand and knocks down castles. When Thomas and the other children tell her to go away, she retaliates with the dreadful crocodiles and high prison tower etc. that she has for people like them at her house.
A few days later, Becca’s mother hands out Becca’s birthday invitations. The parents are glad to accept on behalf of their children, so they reluctantly go, worried about the terrors awaiting them at Becca’s house. Of course the parallel scenarios, such as the castellated treehouse, all turn out to be great fun and Becca herself is a fun playmate. Becca’s birthday wish, when she blows out her candles, is very telling: “I wish I could play with you in the park.” and the next day she does indeed ask to play with the other children. “Of course,” said Thomas, “You only had to ask!”
But did she? Why Can’t I Play? really is an excellent story about making friends, with universal appeal for young children, and this is emphasised by the inclusive diversity of the illustrations. The story shows how the hand of friendship has to be stretched from both sides. Becca’s behavior is inexcusable and will probably set young listeners against her – but by the time we get to the end, they might have realised that her meanness is also a result of her insecurity as a “new girl” (and we only find out her name when her mother hands out the party invitations – I suspect, like the other children in the story). So, while Becca is not exactly helping herself by being horrid to the other children, the story also reminds children of the importance of being welcoming towards newcomers, whether it’s at their local park or in their class at school.
And don’t forget, our current issue of PaperTigers is all about How Children Play Around the World, so if you haven’t already, head on over…
