It takes a unique mixture of patience and creativity to be a parent given all the moods and physical complaints of children. That certainly is the case in this children's book written and illustrated by Scott Menchin who won a Christopher Award for Taking a Bath with the Dog and Other Things That Make Me Happy.

A little girl is walking home with her mother but is very tired. She sits down on the sidewalk and pouts. Later she asks: "Mom, why can't the house have legs and walk to us?" Instead of avoiding the question or becoming irritated with her daughter, the mother decides to go with the flow and imagine what it would be like if everything had legs: "A rake could jump in leaves . . . and leaves would leave. . . . Cars could stroll and snails could stride." This sudden burst of creative energy works like a charm and they arrive home each feeling buoyant.

When you read this book aloud, be sure to catch the vitality pulsating through the imaginations of both mother and daughter. This book is recommended for children ages 4 - 11. There is also a free app, "This App Has Legs," available on iTunes.