Barbara Throws a Wobbler

PreS-Gr 1–When Barbara, following a couple of missteps with a sock, then a pea, starts to feel as if a hundred bad moods are wrapping her up, she throws a “Wobbler” or a tantrum. That manifests the pink engorged monsterlike creature, who is in no better mood than she is and so Shireen’s story takes flight. In near-classic arc of escalating insults—“‘Stinky bumhead!’ shouted Barbara. ‘Stinky bumhead!’ shouted the Wobbler”—it grows larger until they both collapse in giggles. The Wobbler lets on that it is Barbara’s own creation, and that if she made it, she can unmake it, too. The beleaguered black-and-white kitten that is Barbara, having nearly been swallowed by the massive pink of the beast, works through her feelings until everything dissipates nicely. She rejoins her friends, accepts cuddles, and knows that when the wobbler is back, she’ll know how to cope. A helpful chart of moods is included.