Child, Lauren. Goody, The. Lauren Child, Illus. Picture Book. Scholastic/Orchard, 11/2021. [32]pp. $17.99. 978-1-338-78954-6. ADDITIONAL. GRADES K-3.
A boy is tired of being the “Goody,” which means he is the obedient child while his sibling gets to do whatever she wants, like staying up late, not eating broccoli, and not doing her chores. He decides to follow his sister’s example which shocks his parents and babysitter even though they let her get away with it. The text is a little long, containing dialogue and descriptions as well as some asides to the reader such as, “Now, does that sound fair to you?” This humorous tale may resonate with some children and parents in families where different siblings seem to have unequal roles. The full-color collage artwork shows the family members all with straight black hair and light brown skin but does not identify their race.
Penny Peck, San Jose State University, iSchool