In Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick’s picture book, Silly Mommy, Silly Daddy, Beth is having a bad day. She is cross and does not smile. Everyone in the family tries to coax a smile from the little girl. The pout remains on Beth’s face.

Silly Grandma, Grandpa and Auntie Bea do silly things to brighten her day. Beth just looks at them and mentally calls them ‘Sillybillies’ ignoring the household members. Later that day, her big sister, Ann, enters the bedroom and does an un silly thing. Beth smiles at her sister’s antics. Not only does Beth smile, she starts laughing.

Silly Mommy, Silly Daddy is for children between the ages two and five. Children at this age are developing social skills. They are learning about their own feelings and those of others. If asked to make a happy face, they will smile. A frown is the result when asked for a sad face. Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick’s picture book is good way to start a discussion on feelings

Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick is the illustrator of the picture book, also. She captures Beth’s mood perfectly. In the book’s beginning, the little girl's mouth is in a constant pout. Her tiny arms are defiantly crossed over her chest. In some scenes, her shoulders are hunched. Ms. Fitzpatrick’s paintings capture the resulting smiles and laughter after Ann enters the bedroom. Children use the visual clues to understand Beth’s different moods.

Also, Ms. Fitzpatrick’s illustrations show the love between the two sisters. The two sisters play and laugh together. Big sister, Ann, sits on the floor and holds Beth in her arms. Sisters help each other throughout life when things are bad for the other one.

Beth is a lucky little girl to have a large supportive family. They come to together to help a family member, Beth, in her time of need. Not only has she a loving nuclear family, but a large extended family who cares for her emotionally as well as physically.

The text has simple sentences. The words are bold and easy to read. The picture book is for children four-years-old and older. The simple words and picture clues makes it easy for children to read and understand the story.

Toot and Puddle: You Are My Sunshine by Holly Hobbie is another book where a friend is having a sad time. Puddle helps to brighten Toot’s disposition.

In Cranky Pants by Stephen Sanzo, Cranky Pants wakes up in a foul mood. There is nothing his father can do to produce a smile. Cranky Pants a smart boy works things out for himself.



All three books are available at Amazon.com.

Little Beth returns in Silly School. Beth disagrees with her family. School is not fun or is it?

Picture Books for Children

Children's Books

Dr. Seuss Books
Don Freeman's Books
Stan Berenstain's Books
Magic Tree House Books
Chronicles of Narnia Books
A Series of Unfortunate Events Books
Note: Silly Mommy, Silly Daddy by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick review book is complimentary from Frances Lincoln Children's Books.