Review by Booklist Review
Rosenthal and Lichtenheld, who first collaborated on The OK Book (2007), offer a sensitive, funny look at life's injustices. On each spread, the diverse young characters air their frustrations: Why'd I get the smaller half? Why now, chicken pox? Not all of the speakers are kids. There is a three-legged stool that wonders why the neighboring chair gets an extra leg, and in a clever conclusion, a book wonders why the story has to end. The rhyming text and singsong rhythm add levity to the litany of complaints, while the colorful, cartoon-style pictures expressively convey the characters' emotions, from envy to disappointment to wistfulness. A few moments may resonate more with adults, such as in books' endpapers, which resemble a legal document outlining a lawsuit between siblings over a cookie that's not divided as promised. Children will welcome the familiar, farcical scenarios, though, and the absence of saccharine sentiments. A good choice for starting discussions about empathy and perspective, this will reassure children that everyone experiences feelings of unfairness.--Rosenfeld, Shelle Copyright 2008 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-This attempt to poke fun at one of the most familiar childhood complaints is framed by endpapers clearly aimed at earning grown-up chuckles-they show a pseudo-lawsuit drawn up by the firm of "Fullglass and Milk, P.C." and filed in the "Circuit Court of Fairness." The text consists of questions about particular pieces of bad luck or perceived slights that range from the division of cookies to a child who must wear glasses. "Why does she get brand-new shoes?/"Why does my team always lose?" The joke is stretched, although thinly, to include complaints from animals, inanimate objects, monsters, and planets. The structure and rhythm of the text falter from time to time, but the cartoon illustrations give the narrative a lively yet simple look with lots of emotion-mostly indignation and sadness-captured in just a few lines. This book will be well received by those who know the inherent injustices of childhood all too well, and the repeated refrain will invite participation in groups and one-on-one sharing.-Jane Marino, Bronxville Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Why'd I get the smaller half? / Why'd he get the bigger laugh? / Why can't I have a pet giraffe?" A refrain of "It's not fair" addresses these queries. There are no answers here, just the understanding that one is not alone in a sometimes unfair world. Cleanly composed illustrations show that even aliens, pigs, and planets sometimes feel frustrated. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
In this wry tale, the familiar refrain of disgruntled siblings is taken to the nth degree of absurdity. The titular complaint becomes the mantra for all creation, from the smallest spider coveting the better web across the way to a green-eyed planet enviously ogling Saturn's rings. Rosenthal reveals the truth of the old adage, "Life's not fair," driving home this bittersweet truth with a healthy dose of humor so readers will feel a sense of sympathetic commiseration rather than ridicule. By acknowledging the universal feeling that sometimes things just do not go the way one would like, the text paves the way to readers' acceptance and resilience. Litchtenheld's cartoon-style illustrations are deftly sketched with tongue firmly in cheek. His placement of brightly colored figures against simple backgrounds conveys the power of the characters' emotions. This funny, philosophical book is a treat to share with children of all ages. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
