TOMORROW I'M IN CHARGE!

A playdate suddenly goes wrong.

When Weasel arrives home, he’s surprised to find his friend Bear playing with Badger. “We’re in the middle of a game,” says Bear. “Would you like to make us something to eat?” Thus starts an epic fight between Bear and Weasel as they argue over who gets to be pals with Badger, which games to play, and who gets to play whom in various scenarios. Eventually, the fed-up Badger leaves and declares he’ll be playing with Fox tomorrow. Young readers still figuring out the dynamics of friendship—when to give in and when to assert yourself—will certainly relate to this combative twosome. Mϋhle’s text, translated from German, is frank and straightforward, mirroring the bluntness of a child’s interactions and emotions, including Badger’s helplessness as he’s caught between the two battling friends. Spare watercolor and colored pencil illustrations set against stark white backgrounds match the tone of the text. Notably, this is no morality tale with a neat and tidy ending; rather, it’s a strong example of what not to do that honestly explores the consequences of jealousy and stubbornness.

A candid and authentic glimpse at the rocky road that is negotiating social interactions.