Little Troublemaker Makes a Mess

by Luvvie Ajayi Jones, Joey Spiotto (Illustrator)

Overview

*AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!*

A story about a little troublemaker with a big heart from the New York Times bestselling author and noted speaker Luvvie Ajayi Jones.

Whoops!

Little Luvvie loves her mom. She loves her sister. And she loves doing nice things for other people.

But what happens when doing something nice means breaking some rules? Little Luvvie is about to find out.

Written by the New York Times bestselling author Luvvie Ajayi Jones with bright, bold art by Joey Spiotto, this funny, sweet story about a bighearted girl with the best of intentions is sure to become a family favorite.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593526095
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	05/02/2023
Series:	Little Troublemaker
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	263,174
Product dimensions:	11.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Luvvie Ajayi Jones is a lifelong troublemaker who is now a writer, speaker, and podcast host. She’s written four books (counting this one). Luvvie spends her time trying to figure out how to make the world better using her superpowers: her words and her side-eye. Her favorite color is red, her favorite food is jollof rice, and she loves spending her time laughing with her family and adding to her big shoe collection. You can visit her online at Luvvie.org or follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @Luvvie.

Joey Spiotto is the author and illustrator of the graphic novel series Grumpy Unicorn as well as the books Alien Next Door and Firefly: Back from the Black. Joey has worked with Lucasfilm/Disney, Marvel Studios, Warner Bros., and more. Before making books, Joey was a concept artist in the film and video game industry. He lives just outside of Los Angeles with his wife and two little troublemakers. You can visit him online at JoeySpiotto.com or follow him on Instagram @Jo3bot and on X @JoeySpiotto.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for Little Troublemaker Makes a Mess:

“Little Troublemaker Makes a Mess shows us that good kids with good intentions sometimes struggle to make good decisions—and this doesn’t call for punishments or lectures, but for connection and learning. Children will love the playful, realistic story, and adults will love the theme of parenting with limits and warmth—in other words, everyone wins!" –Dr. Becky Kennedy, Clinical Psychologist, Founder & CEO of Good Inside, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

"Kids will learn about unconditional love and why it's important to follow the rules. As a fellow baby, we often want to do it on our own and it's important to WAIT for help. Lastly, the breakdown of being a good troublemaker will stick. It's a beautiful book. I can't wait to read it with my girls." –Nedra Tawwab, New York Times bestselling author of Drama Free

“A lighthearted tale perfect for setting little ones on the path to good trouble. . .The playful and brightly colored illustrations match the book’s cheerful mood. Ideal for storytime, this one will also help kids develop social-emotional skills.” –Kirkus Reviews

“[Little Troublemaker Makes a Mess provides] techniques for behavioral and emotional development, such as examples of healthy communication between parents and children, the importance of apology, working together, and breathing techniques for calming down . . . lovely to see a Nigerian American child in the lead of a story celebrating a West African dish.” —Booklist

From the Publisher

2023-02-25
Speaker, bestselling author, and self-proclaimed troublemaker Ajayi Jones’ debut picture book follows a child learning what it means to make good trouble.

When Luvvie and her older sister, Kami, who are of Nigerian descent, are left home alone, Luvvie decides to have a snack before dinner. Disappointed to find sandwiches in the fridge, Luvvie tries to convince Kami to help her make jollof rice to surprise their mother. Kami declines. Undeterred, Luvvie proceeds to make a mess prepping ingredients that seem to land everywhere except the pot. Ready to begin cooking, Luvvie calls Kami, who is stunned by the huge mess in the kitchen. Though Kami offers to clean up after she finishes her own project, Luvvie once again defies her older sister, creating—if possible—an even bigger mess. When Mom returns, she’s shocked. Is Luvvie in “BIG TROUBLE”? Not quite—Mom understands that Luvvie just wanted to help, and she tells the girl that later they’ll brainstorm ways to make good trouble (which, per the backmatter, “makes the world a better place”). This adorable tale will resonate with children who recognize feelings of impatience, being too small, and wanting to be helpful. The playful and brightly colored illustrations match the book’s cheerful mood. Ideal for storytime, this one will also help kids develop social-emotional skills. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A lighthearted tale perfect for setting little ones on the path to good trouble. (note about jollof rice) (Picture book. 5-8)

Kirkus Reviews