Jeffrey Loves Blue, written by Loretta Garbutt and illustrated by Lily Snowden-Pine. Owlkids, 2013. $21.95 ages 4 and up

"When Jeffrey goes to his Saturday 
painting class, he paints only in blue. 

I used it all up last time. 

You did. And Keiko wanted to 
use the blue, remember? 

She was sad." 

You know the young child who only likes certain things; be it food, clothing, book, or color. Perhaps it is someone in your house, or in your classroom. Suggesting other alternatives is often met with deaf ears, and a return to the argument that that thing is the only real choice. 

That is the case for Jeffrey. He loves blue - sheets, socks, underwear, a hat, blueberries, and paint. At painting class, he only likes to use blue. When Keiko is sad that there is no blue paint left for her to use, Jeffrey offers it for the next painting class. Keiko is grateful. 

Jeffrey knows he must keep his word; it is very difficult to accept that. A conciliatory conversation at home helps him realize that blue will always be there. There might be an acceptable alternative. Suggestions are made and considered, then dismissed. Will they find a compromise? You will have to attend art class to check it out. 

At the moment, we have an obsession with leopard prints (7 year old granddaughter) in our family. How about yours?