Always Listen To Your Mother (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
I discovered this book while shopping for presents for our girls during a business trip. The title certainly caught my eye and the cover illustrations were intriguing. The story is certainly entertaining and has an underlying nuance of the little boy being naughty without technically disobeying. Ernest is such a straight-laced little boy that it was quite humorous to see him let loose and discover his wild side. The illustrations are entertaining and quite creepy, too. I love that Ernest's mother encourages his friendship with his odd neighbors despite their differences. Although I think perhaps that she was just completely unaware of the strange nature of the house and family, and in that case, I would consider her behavior somewhat neglectful. Overall, I thought this was a fun story that depicts different styles of parenting. Both of the moms in this book are wild exaggerations in a June Cleaver/Morticia Addams-kind of way, but it just goes to show that some moms have a different sense of style and humor from the rest of the crowd. The behavior Ernest's mom considers obedient and good is likely considered to be dull and uninspired by his neighbor's mom...different strokes for different folks. All in all, it's a whimsical tale and an entertaining read. Delightful! Ernest is a very good boy who always listens to his mother, although it is a little boring to be so good and helpful all the time. But, when a rather...unusual... family moves in next door and Ernest goes to meet the little boy, it seems like adventures and fun are finally at hand. I won't say more because I think the fun and cleverness in the book, and what made it work for me, is in how the authors managed to let Ernest have fun in new ways, to have his little monster friend be authentically "monstrous" while also "good" -- and all this without totally disregarding their mothers' wishes. This could have been a bit disastrous in the "message" for kids, but I think it was handled well. Some parents may wish to have a discussion with their children about when it is okay to do something different than they would do at home if it is permissible at a friend's house, but also that there are some rules that should never be broken, no matter where. While this book doesn't feature Halloween, I think it would be great reading around that holiday as it's got a bit of spooky monster appeal without being scary.
What do You think about Always Listen To Your Mother (2010)?
The mixed media and collage style is a lot of fun with some Victorian and art nouveau aesthetics.
—Scoobie16
This one is very odd.. has themes of "Psycho" throughout.... and ends rather abruptly.
—RoroA
An interesting tone that builds and builds, yet never satisfyingly resolves.
—psycoflow
This book is funny, great plot, well paced, and awesome.
—bookworm
