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My Mom is Trying to Ruin My Life by Kate Feiffer, illustrated by Diane Goode

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By Carla Morris

Moms can do embarrassing things like kiss you all over your face in front of your friends, or bring a change of clothes to school. This story chronicles one little girl's fantasy of running away from both her mom and dad, who seem to be "ruining her life." The fantasy also includes her parents being locked up in jail. She finally has her freedom until she realizes there is nothing in the fridge to eat, no one to read her a bedtime story, and no one to comfort her after a scary dream. Children will enjoy the progressive narrative storyline method of reasoning. A new love and respect for the many good things parents do naturally emerges without being didactic or preachy. Illustrations are whimsical and light hearted.

Comments

curlyq said…
This is a hilarious book with charming accompanying artwork. Such a teenage phrase ("trying to ruin my life") is not one I would expect such a young child to voice, but it's true that even young children get exasperated with their parents. ( : It's nice to see the ending where she realizes her parents are pretty bearable, after all.
May 9, 2009 at 11:36 AM
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