Review by Booklist Review
It's Thursday--Dad's day to spend at home with his son, baby daughter, and various chores after Mom pedals off to work. A disappointed Tom wants to play, but his father has a long list of tasks to complete by dinnertime. When Dad appoints Tom his assistant, the dish brush becomes a pirate's sword and the two work together to defeat the house's mess. At one point, their pirate raft runs ashore on an island and they spot sock birds that must be matched into pairs as they make their way through a forest of towels in the laundry room. Toys need sorting, which calls for construction gear and a bulldozer. And dinnertime sees the pair dressed like wizards as they joyfully concoct their evening meal. Playful illustrations show the father-son duo imagining clothing to match the personas they take on as they clean. Pictures appear in various sizes and feature myriad details and colors, creating engaging illustrations to pore over that highlight an entertaining story about making everyday chores enjoyable.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
While Mommy is at work, a boy and his father complete chores with an imaginative twist. Tom is eager to play, but Daddy is overwhelmed with household tasks. When Daddy appoints Tom his assistant, the little boy decides that the dish brush is a pirate sword, and away they go, cleaning, organizing, and having fun. The "chore pirates" land on a tropical island and reunite "sock bird" pairs, bulldoze a volcano made up of messy toys, and even concoct a pot of magic. Klungel's story is irresistibly playful. The illustrations are detailed and true to life. A messy kitchen table covered in everything from children's artwork to an apple core feels like something out of any family's home. Each new adventure is complete with a fitting ensemble, like safari gear or hard hats, with Tom's little sister tucked into a baby carrier strapped to Daddy's chest or back. Not only does the story show that chores are a necessary part of this family's life, but they also depict Daddy, not Mommy, taking the lead. Daddy and Tom's exploits serve as wonderful ideas for caregivers wanting to include little ones in these jobs at home. Mommy has brown skin, Daddy and Tom's sister are light-skinned, and Tom has light brown skin. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A refreshing take on the division of household labor that will appeal to little ones and their grown-ups. (Picture book. 3-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
