The Little Girl & Rain on the Roof

They had five children, The father played games with his children, The father laughed and had fun with the children

The text describes the Macdonalds as having five children, with a father who played 'tag' with them, carried the baby on his shoulders, and laughed when the boys turned the hose on him. This contrasted sharply with Kezia's stern father.

A butcher with a knife and rope

The story describes Kezia's recurring nightmare: 'the butcher with a knife and a rope, who came nearer and nearer, smiling that dreadful smile.' This frightening dream represents her fears and anxieties.

He took her to his bed and let her snuggle close

When Kezia had the nightmare, her father 'caught up the child in his arms, carrying her along the passage to the big bedroom' and 'carefully tucked up the child.' He let her snuggle close and even told her to rub her feet against his legs to get warm.

He worked hard and was tired, and had a big heart

At the end, Kezia realizes 'Poor Father, not so big, after all and with no one to look after him. He was harder than Grandmother, but it was a nice hardness. And every day he had to work and was too tired to be a Mr Macdonald.' She also says 'What a big heart you've got, Father dear.'