by Maureen Bannister (Author), Lida Caudle (Illustrator), Courtney Thomas (Illustrator)
Life's most beautiful moments are often found in the routine of the day - sweeping a floor, growing a flower in a window, laughing in a kitchen. But what if we're too busy to appreciate the joy they bring? Sometimes, young eyes are better at finding life's hidden, simple treasures and showing us all what is truly most important. In "I Want to Laugh in a Kitchen," young Patrick sees opportunities for fun in every chore, adventure at each turn. But his parents are too rushed to savor those moments with him. When Patrick notices a cardinal looking right at him and his mom and dad, his parents are finally awakened to the beauty and joy of the moment. Readers are then guided to go back through the book and find the cardinal in each illustration. In "I Want to Laugh in a Kitchen," the young teach the old to "stop, look, and listen," and embrace the bits of joy tucked in to the everyday.