Award-winning illustrator Daniel Gray-Barnett, whose work has been
featured by the likes of The Boston Globe and The New York Times, brings
his usual expressive and fun style to this heartwarming tale about
the connection between a son and mother and a journey towards
independence.
Praise for Pocket Chaotic
''A humorous invitation to embrace change and move on''. -- Kirkus
''Pops of golden yellow dominate the watercolor, ink, and pencil
illustrations of this tongue-in-cheek story about helping children
embrace their independence''. -- Foreword Reviews
''An original, funny and heartwarming picture book tale about a
connection between a mother and son that will ring true for many
children especially in these uncertain times''. -- Midwest Book
Review
''A clever little readaloud. Hand this one to a parent trying
desperately to get their 25-year-old out of the basement''.***
-- Fuse 8, School Library Journal***
''There is so much to look and giggle at in this book''. ***
--*** Youth Services Book Review
''An amusing tale (tail?) with sprightly illustrations that is great to
read out loud and may encourage little ones to explore their
independence in new environments''. *-- The AOI
''Enjoy this exuberant, warm story and share the neon illustrations with
little ones wanting independence, yet not quite ready to really let
go''. -- Armadillo Children's Magazine
Alexander's mom keeps putting stuff in her pocket and it's driving him
crazy!
A young kangaroo called Alexander lives in his mom, Nancy's pocket.
Alexander loves his mom, but there's one thing she does that really
drives him nuts. She is always putting stuff in her pocket. Alexander
tries to keep things neat, but the more he tidies, the more stuff she
shoves in there. When he complains, his sister calls him a baby - it's
time to leave the pouch anyway. But Alexander loves it in there - it's
warm and cosy and smells of mom.
Then one day, it gets really bad. Twelve bobby pins, a tube of
toothpaste, a bottle of water, a packet of chewing gum, two bus tickets,
some keys, a toy car and a cookbook all find their way into Nancy's
pouch. And that's just for starters. Finally, Alexander's had enough. 'I
can't take it any more!' he shouts. 'I'm moving out!' So Alexander moves
into the room next to his sister's. They make it all cosy, with a furry
blanket and shelves for all his stuff. So it's just like his mom's
pouch. Almost. The penultimate spread is Alexander sleeping with all his
stuff strewn around him. The final spread is Nancy clearing out her
pocket with a wink. It was time for Alexander to go.
