Mila Misses Mommy

PreS-K–Mila, who sometimes lives with her father and other times with her mother, is sad when her mother has to quickly drop her off at school. Mila rejects her classmates’ efforts to include her in their play. As they prepare to eat a snack, Mila’s teacher lovingly pulls her onto her lap and asks why she isn’t hungry. Mila explains that her stomach hurts, but it did not hurt when she was with her mother. Teacher and classmates say that they understand and admit that sometimes, they feel that way, too. The teacher suggests that the students play dress- up together; Mila, who has natural black hair and dark brown skin, has a small smile as her friend says she is putting on a dress just like Mila’s mommy has, while another friend makes Mila giggle by pretending to be her cat. The colorful illustrations of the classroom and emotions in students’ faces help children follow the action.