A day in the life of a small red-headed boy is recounted through a series of rhymes that follow the same pattern: “CLEAN enough to wipe a spill,/ an apple juice/ on the loose/ spill. / GLAD enough to sing a song,/ a shout it out,/ dance about/ song. / NEAT enough to eat my corn,/ my take a bite / left to right/ corn.” The story stresses competence and confidence, and the brightly colored illustrations consistently maintain the perspective of the energetic child at the center of the story. (Ages 2-4)

Teri Daniels's rhythmic text takes a little boy through his day as he discovers he is big enough, calm enough, old enough, and sweet enough to do all kinds of things. Harley Jessup's shifting perspectives and innovative use of color and design playfully convey a child's exciting first steps toward independence.