When Jack and Angus move with their mother from a large house to a smaller one, they complain incessantly about the lack of space: “We miss our old house,/This house is too small./ There’s nowhere to tumble/ and wrestle and fall.” Their mom doesn’t know what to do, but frequent chats with an old woman down the street provide her with a stream of mysterious advice. First, this neighbour suggests that they bring their outside dog inside; then, that the neighbour’s own dog should visit. Of course, the boys complain even more. Then the old woman suggests they invite friends and relatives to come and stay, and then that the boys have friends in for a sleepover. The house is soon crammed with adults, kids, and dogs. Finally, the neighbour says “send everyone home now.” When everybody leaves, the boys are delighted to find out how spacious their new house really is.

This charming story, based on an old folk tale, presents an unexpected way of solving problems. Blades’ text makes skillful use of repetition, and the rhyming refrain of the boys’ complaint sets off each stage of the story. Her colourful illustrations highlight the increasing household chaos, a chaos that obliquely suggests the inner turmoil of embarking on a new life without a father.

However, there are problems. The two boys remain distant characters, and although we hear their complaining refrain, we get no sense of their personalities. The solution to their problem is something imposed on them from outside by adults, without any input from the children. Although the boys are content at the end, the emotional resolution remains muted.