“It’s Not Fair” by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illus. by Tom Lichtenheld
(HarperCollins, 9780061152573, $16.99, 40 pages, for ages 4 to 8)
This new picture book from the author of “Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons”
and “The OK Book” offers many instances (some true-to-life, others a little
more far-fetched) of life’s unfairness. With rhymes and clever pictures, it
turns the tables on whining and self-pity and is sure to make youngsters
smile and flex their own creative muscles in thinking up more moments of
unfair silliness
Here are some samples:
“Why’d I get the smaller half?
Why’d he get the bigger laugh?
Why can’t I have a pet giraffe?
It’s not fair.”
Why can’t I have curly locks?
Why can’t I have my own box?
Why now, chicken pox?
It’s not fair.”
From the book’s last page: “Why can’t books go on and on? No more endings,
only Once Upons… It’s not fair.” And on the book’s back cover: “Why’s the
front get all the glory? Why’s the inside get all the story? Even the spine
thinks life is hunky-dory. It’s not fair!!”
This very funny book teaches the wisdom of not to taking oneself (and the
many injuries to one’s tender pride) too seriously. It’s a gem. Even the
author’s dedication gets in on the act: “Why’s Mom only dedicating this to
Miles? It’s not fair…”
Review by
Mark David Bradshaw, May 14, 2008
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