ARE YOU SAD, MAMA?

We never find out why the little girl's mother is sad; we only witness the child's attempts to cheer her up: by reading a story, jumping, singing, drawing a picture, bringing teddy bear and cookies. It's a hug that does the trick in the end--and ""This makes me happy, too, Mama,"" says the little girl. But this is one of those private exchanges that won't do much for onlookers, who might expect a little content--whether narrative, emotional, or simply in more diverting examples--if not an explanation.