Changes

Oh, I loved this book! I loved the idea that Lucy was a secret ninja spy (there is a passing resemblance, now that you come to mention it) and I was grinning at all the defences which Henry prepared to protect his pocket money and laughing out loud at the way that Lucy dealt with them, particularly the ferocious pink pig. What's this all in aid of? Well, Lucy wanted a hug from Henry. That's all.

It's a lovely story which has kids giggling as loudly as the adults, but neatly woven through the narrative are two very important lessons. The first is about appropriate response: Henry could have put his money in the bank (which is what he did eventually) as his parents suggested without going to all that trouble. There's an excellent introduction here to discussing what it is that a child wants to achieve and what's the best, the simplest way of doing it? It's a portable skill which comes in handy throughout life.