Yesterday, my toddler sat in her car seat happily flipping through a favorite book as I drove. Then I heard a tearing sound. A big one.

I turned around to see half of the title character from “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” (known in our family as Cookie Mouse) now clutched and crinkled in her hand and a devilish look on her face.

Books are treasures in our house so intentionally damaging one is a big no-no. I reminded her of this in a tone that was measured but conveyed some frustration and disappointment.

“We never rip our books, Clio!” I said firmly as I turned my attention back to the road.

Then I heard a quiet, reflective voice rise from the back seat:

“Mommy, can I help you calm down?”

I whipped my head around.

“What was that, sweetheart?”

Again she repeated, “Mommy, can I help you calm down?”

And slowly she began counting. “1…2…3…4…”

I couldn’t help but smile.

Maybe she’s learning from my example. Maybe it’s the influence of the great Daniel Tiger.

Either way I am in awe of my girl.