Good Thing You're Not an Octopus!, (Hardcover)

Publishers Weekly,First-time author Markes serves up a bit of inventive psychology for dealing with an uncooperative child in this subtle picture book. The unseen caretaker of a preschooler with a penchant for eschewing any idea of a daily routine presents the boy with alternate scenarios that make his own lot seem palatable. As the pajama-clad protagonist grins from beneath his bed covers, the narrative reads, "You don't like to get dressed in the morning?/ It's a good thing you're not an octopus./ If you were an octopus, you would have eight legs to put in your pants!" The boy then envisions an octopus struggling to get dressed on the bed next to him. Similar scenes unfold as the boy realizes that being himself--and doing what's asked of him--is better than being any of the animal characters he imagines. In a simple question-and-answer format, Markes addresses a common and frustrating challenge for parents and suggests a disarming, nonconfrontational solution. Smith (There's a Witch Under the Stairs) uses a crisp watercolor palette to depict a realistic setting filled with child-friendly touches (car seat, bright toys and books) and lots of humor. (Don't miss the shark brushing its teeth.) Ages 3-6. (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved All rights reserved.,Publishers Weekly,Publishers Weekly,First-time author Markes serves up a bit of inventive psychology for dealing with an uncooperative child in this subtle picture book. The unseen caretaker of a preschooler with a penchant for eschewing any idea of a daily routine presents the boy with alternate scenarios that make his own lot seem palatable. As the pajama-clad protagonist grins from beneath his bed covers, the narrative reads, "You don't like to get dressed in the morning?/ It's a good thing you're not an octopus./ If you were an octopus, you would have eight legs to put in your pants!" The boy then envisions an octopus struggling to get dressed on the bed next to him. Similar scenes unfold as the boy realizes that being himself--and doing what's asked of him--is better than being any of the animal characters he imagines. In a simple question-and-answer format, Markes addresses a common and frustrating challenge for parents and suggests a disarming, nonconfrontational solution. Smith (There's a Witch Under the Stairs) uses a crisp watercolor palette to depict a realistic setting filled with child-friendly touches (car seat, bright toys and books) and lots of humor. (Don't miss the shark brushing its teeth.) Ages 3-6. (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved All rights reserved.