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Parenting Is Weird: Tails from the Litterbox
Combining the calamities of parenting with the chaotic cuteness of kittens, Litterbox Tails from the Litterbox presents the family foibles we can all relate to. A hilariously honest comic collection that explores all things parenting, from stepping out of the hospital for the first time to losing a kid in the grocery store, except everyone is cats.
From the creator of the popular Instagram and Webtoon comic Litterbox Comics comes a collection of her most popular comics, including never-before-seen artwork, character bios, stickers, word searches, and more. Both long-time fans and those who are unfamiliar with Litterbox Comics will enjoy this humorous, fresh take on what it’s like raising two boys… er, kitties… in the age of the internet. A perfect purchase for both parents and cat-lovers.
From the creator of the popular Instagram and Webtoon comic Litterbox Comics comes a collection of her most popular comics, including never-before-seen artwork, character bios, stickers, word searches, and more. Both long-time fans and those who are unfamiliar with Litterbox Comics will enjoy this humorous, fresh take on what it’s like raising two boys… er, kitties… in the age of the internet. A perfect purchase for both parents and cat-lovers.
192 pages, Paperback
Published September 19, 2023
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2516 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
May 29, 2023
THANKS TO NETGALLEY FOR THIS REVIEW COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
Illustration was adorable. Enjoyed the portrayal of struggles, exhaustion and daily life problems.
Illustration was adorable. Enjoyed the portrayal of struggles, exhaustion and daily life problems.
September 25, 2023
I received this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
I have been following Chesca/Litterbox’s comics for a long while now so imagine my delight that her comics are getting bundled into a book! I just adore it that more and more comics online are getting bundled into books!
And for most I recognised all the comics in the book. From comics with her firstborn to comics with both kids. About gaming, cursing, friends, and defending yourself. To figuring out what the best order is for games and movies so they can understand why mom/dad are hyped and also fall in love with it. To losing your kids in the supermarket… but there is a way to find them again. XD There is a lot of humour in these comics and I just kept laughing. I loved reading the ones I already knew and was happy to also discover some that I either hadn’t seen or that I have forgotten because it has been a while.
But, and something I absolutely loved, the fact that there are also bonus things. Like Chesca talking about her family and her kids, about parenting, I really loved those short bits of texts between the comics. Plus, I also love the animated pages, even if they don’t work for an online copy. And I liked that bingo chart!
I so love the style of these comics and I love seeing how much it grew. I remember that it did, but seeing old and new in one book really shows it.
All in all, if you like books about parenting combining it with fun comics and humour, this is your book! Be sure to check it out!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I have been following Chesca/Litterbox’s comics for a long while now so imagine my delight that her comics are getting bundled into a book! I just adore it that more and more comics online are getting bundled into books!
And for most I recognised all the comics in the book. From comics with her firstborn to comics with both kids. About gaming, cursing, friends, and defending yourself. To figuring out what the best order is for games and movies so they can understand why mom/dad are hyped and also fall in love with it. To losing your kids in the supermarket… but there is a way to find them again. XD There is a lot of humour in these comics and I just kept laughing. I loved reading the ones I already knew and was happy to also discover some that I either hadn’t seen or that I have forgotten because it has been a while.
But, and something I absolutely loved, the fact that there are also bonus things. Like Chesca talking about her family and her kids, about parenting, I really loved those short bits of texts between the comics. Plus, I also love the animated pages, even if they don’t work for an online copy. And I liked that bingo chart!
I so love the style of these comics and I love seeing how much it grew. I remember that it did, but seeing old and new in one book really shows it.
All in all, if you like books about parenting combining it with fun comics and humour, this is your book! Be sure to check it out!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
March 6, 2024
Why did we even have kids if we're not going to put them in all the nerd stuff we can't fit into?
Oh, man, this book is painfully and hilariously relatable.
Seriously.
SERIOUSLY.
This is so freaking funny, and adorable, and the right amount of not at all heart warming because PARENTING IS WEIRD, INDEED.
Oh, man, this book is painfully and hilariously relatable.
Seriously.
SERIOUSLY.
This is so freaking funny, and adorable, and the right amount of not at all heart warming because PARENTING IS WEIRD, INDEED.
June 7, 2023
So cute
May 17, 2023
Firstly, a big thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for allowing an advanced look at this!
I do enjoy Litterbox Comics and love this collection! Each section has a little message from the creator and has the comics grouped with a theme. I think this is an excellent addition for fans and the perfect gift for parents (even better for nervous new parents). You'll laugh and feel better seeing each challenge and joke page after page. It's a perfect mix of every parent's challenges with some bonus jokes from the animal world. The joke about hyenas giving birth was extra funny for someone that previously fell down that rabbit hole. Seriously, only Google that if you are not afraid of having an "OH MY GODS" moment.
It's an honest take, and that makes you love it even more.
The only thing I will say is that quite some fun is taken away in the electronic viewing of this. Obviously, it's meant to be in paperback, especially with the little moments of showing how to flip the pages to have little flip book animation jokes and the last pages of little stickers. If this were to be offered as an electronic version, I would hope some edits would be made to make it obvious it's for readers.
I do enjoy Litterbox Comics and love this collection! Each section has a little message from the creator and has the comics grouped with a theme. I think this is an excellent addition for fans and the perfect gift for parents (even better for nervous new parents). You'll laugh and feel better seeing each challenge and joke page after page. It's a perfect mix of every parent's challenges with some bonus jokes from the animal world. The joke about hyenas giving birth was extra funny for someone that previously fell down that rabbit hole. Seriously, only Google that if you are not afraid of having an "OH MY GODS" moment.
It's an honest take, and that makes you love it even more.
The only thing I will say is that quite some fun is taken away in the electronic viewing of this. Obviously, it's meant to be in paperback, especially with the little moments of showing how to flip the pages to have little flip book animation jokes and the last pages of little stickers. If this were to be offered as an electronic version, I would hope some edits would be made to make it obvious it's for readers.
April 27, 2023
Thank you, Andrews McMeel Publishing, for the advance reading copy.
This comic/graphic novel is such a fun read to the readers like me but we can actually know the dilemma of parenting small kids/ the dilemma of having the first kid.
This is such a good read more so because of the fun illustrations and art sequence style.
I would say the collection is quite honest and explores well the topic of parenting.
This comic/graphic novel is such a fun read to the readers like me but we can actually know the dilemma of parenting small kids/ the dilemma of having the first kid.
This is such a good read more so because of the fun illustrations and art sequence style.
I would say the collection is quite honest and explores well the topic of parenting.
June 22, 2025
In the introduction, Hause writes that this series was originally supposed to be a Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood parody. It ended up morphing more into its own thing, a comedic take on parenting and family life set in a world of anthropomorphized animals.
I'd seen Hause's Litterbox Comics online before, and I'm happy to report that it's all just as much fun to read in print. There's nerd humor, parenting humor (which even I enjoy, despite not being a parent myself), and even animal-related humor, as characters occasionally surprise readers with details about their behavior that match their animal side. Imagining Fran engaging in 3am zoomies with her kids had me laughing.
Extras:
This collection includes character bios for all four members of the family, full-page flip art (two pages that animate when you flip them) at the start of every chapter, and a couple pages of stickers.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
I'd seen Hause's Litterbox Comics online before, and I'm happy to report that it's all just as much fun to read in print. There's nerd humor, parenting humor (which even I enjoy, despite not being a parent myself), and even animal-related humor, as characters occasionally surprise readers with details about their behavior that match their animal side. Imagining Fran engaging in 3am zoomies with her kids had me laughing.
Extras:
This collection includes character bios for all four members of the family, full-page flip art (two pages that animate when you flip them) at the start of every chapter, and a couple pages of stickers.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
October 16, 2023
I have seen the author's work previously online. Although not a regular follower, I was familiar with the style of the comic panels and liked the sense of humour.
This book contained all the panels that I had not seen earlier, which is always a treat. The author begins with an introduction about herself and her husband. Their background puts some of the other events that occur within the pages in perspective.
These comics are about a family with two children and their own daily ups and downs. The anthropomorphic cat identities give rise to some jokes which lean more toward the animal side than the parenting side but are funny nonetheless.
The art and expressions of the cats are some of my favourite parts of this collection.
Given that it is a simple premise with equally simple execution, the review for it does not need to go into further details to confirm how entertaining it is and to recommend it to anyone who finds the concept interesting.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
This book contained all the panels that I had not seen earlier, which is always a treat. The author begins with an introduction about herself and her husband. Their background puts some of the other events that occur within the pages in perspective.
These comics are about a family with two children and their own daily ups and downs. The anthropomorphic cat identities give rise to some jokes which lean more toward the animal side than the parenting side but are funny nonetheless.
The art and expressions of the cats are some of my favourite parts of this collection.
Given that it is a simple premise with equally simple execution, the review for it does not need to go into further details to confirm how entertaining it is and to recommend it to anyone who finds the concept interesting.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
April 21, 2023
I received a copy of this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I've been a fan of Litterbox Comics for a while. I really enjoy Chesca Hause's artwork, and the short nature of the strips makes for an easy read most mornings when I'm checking Instagram. They're short and sweet, a bit similar to the old strip Baby Blues but with modern references and some pretty silly anthropomorphic animal jokes.
Although I'm not a parent myself, I can relate a fair bit to her struggles through what I've seen my friends go through... and myself go through working in animal rehab. I found it hilarious that her initial pitch of the comic was a darker Daniel Tiger - few shreds of that original idea remain! And I agree, cats are funnier than tigers.
So crack open the book and enjoy the silliness. Follow Fran, her husband Joel, and kids Victor and Cooper as they struggle through the day to day and do their best to level up in their parenting. There are some hurdles, but man they are funny. Maybe she's right? The darkest moments always do make the best stories.
I've been a fan of Litterbox Comics for a while. I really enjoy Chesca Hause's artwork, and the short nature of the strips makes for an easy read most mornings when I'm checking Instagram. They're short and sweet, a bit similar to the old strip Baby Blues but with modern references and some pretty silly anthropomorphic animal jokes.
Although I'm not a parent myself, I can relate a fair bit to her struggles through what I've seen my friends go through... and myself go through working in animal rehab. I found it hilarious that her initial pitch of the comic was a darker Daniel Tiger - few shreds of that original idea remain! And I agree, cats are funnier than tigers.
So crack open the book and enjoy the silliness. Follow Fran, her husband Joel, and kids Victor and Cooper as they struggle through the day to day and do their best to level up in their parenting. There are some hurdles, but man they are funny. Maybe she's right? The darkest moments always do make the best stories.
April 24, 2023
This is a fun collection of comic strips about parenting, but with a family of cats. The author explained that she was going to do a story of tigers, but then thought cats would reflect her stories better, and thus she begins the tale. The cat family is made up of a mom and dad and two kittens, a 3 year old and a six year old.
Having young kids means there are the usual poop jokes, but also how hard it is to be a mom, or dad, or kid, as far as that goes. Cute family fun.
Some bad words, but other than that, quite enjoyable. Because of the adult humor, this is probably more for the parents than the kids to read.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book will come out the 19th of September 2023.
Having young kids means there are the usual poop jokes, but also how hard it is to be a mom, or dad, or kid, as far as that goes. Cute family fun.
Some bad words, but other than that, quite enjoyable. Because of the adult humor, this is probably more for the parents than the kids to read.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book will come out the 19th of September 2023.
August 26, 2024
*Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me with an ARC of this title. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were in no way influenced by receiving this copy.
Funny and entertaining, yet super endearing. Jokes about the reality of motherhood while throwing in animal humor as well (the lizard tail and bird feeding was HILARIOUS). This was a great read and a perfect gift to give all moms to remind them that they're not alone and other moms have been there too. Plus it'll give them something to chuckle about on those sleepless nights. I loved this.
Funny and entertaining, yet super endearing. Jokes about the reality of motherhood while throwing in animal humor as well (the lizard tail and bird feeding was HILARIOUS). This was a great read and a perfect gift to give all moms to remind them that they're not alone and other moms have been there too. Plus it'll give them something to chuckle about on those sleepless nights. I loved this.
April 29, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley & Andrew McMeel Publishing for this advance copy of "Parenting Is Weird: Tails from the Litterbox" in exchange for a fair review!
This is a collection of short comics about an anthropomorphic cat family. Some are a couple of panels, and others can go up to two pages in length, The layout of the panels is good too. I am not a parent, but I know a lot of parents and have been the inquisitive child myself once upon a time, and I also know what it's like to be a wiped out adult. The mum and the older child were both equally relatable to me, and I found myself laughing quite a lot reading these comics. I like the style, and I liked the realistic everyday situations that parents can find themselves in. All in all, I do recommend this comic for adults, I'm not sure kids could quite get all of the humour in it.
This is a collection of short comics about an anthropomorphic cat family. Some are a couple of panels, and others can go up to two pages in length, The layout of the panels is good too. I am not a parent, but I know a lot of parents and have been the inquisitive child myself once upon a time, and I also know what it's like to be a wiped out adult. The mum and the older child were both equally relatable to me, and I found myself laughing quite a lot reading these comics. I like the style, and I liked the realistic everyday situations that parents can find themselves in. All in all, I do recommend this comic for adults, I'm not sure kids could quite get all of the humour in it.
May 29, 2023
I’ve been following along Litterbox Comics for a while now, so when this book was announced, naturally I was very excited.
I didn’t expect all the text explanations/stories in between the comics, but they only made the book more special, giving background information and structure.
The comics themselves were funny and cute and probably very relatable to parents. I really enjoyed them and found many I didn’t know beforehand.
All in all a fun read.
I didn’t expect all the text explanations/stories in between the comics, but they only made the book more special, giving background information and structure.
The comics themselves were funny and cute and probably very relatable to parents. I really enjoyed them and found many I didn’t know beforehand.
All in all a fun read.
September 23, 2023
Laugh-out-loud funny! I wasn’t familiar with Litterbox Comics prior to winning this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Such a funny, cute, witty, creative, and relatable collection of comics… right down to the 90s nostalgia. Love all the little details (the PBR drinking Zebra, Meowie (Bowie) record, The Dog in the Clog Dr. Suess reference, etc.) and the cute ‘Flipper’ pages!
April 30, 2023
I received an e-arc of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'd never heard of Litterbox Comics before reading this book - though I tend to enjoy the comic collections published by Andrews McMeel so I was excited to read this one.
As I feel about many Andrews McMeel published collections, this collection feels very much like a collection of comics originally written for social media. The comics themselves are fun, and the art style is very cool. - I enjoyed the animal character representations, showing both the real and the fictionalized aspects of parenthood. I don't necessarily relate to the collection as I am not a parent, but I liked the humor and thought it was a fun collection.
I'd never heard of Litterbox Comics before reading this book - though I tend to enjoy the comic collections published by Andrews McMeel so I was excited to read this one.
As I feel about many Andrews McMeel published collections, this collection feels very much like a collection of comics originally written for social media. The comics themselves are fun, and the art style is very cool. - I enjoyed the animal character representations, showing both the real and the fictionalized aspects of parenthood. I don't necessarily relate to the collection as I am not a parent, but I liked the humor and thought it was a fun collection.
November 17, 2023
I can’t imagine many parents haven’t seen Litterbox Comics on social media and therefore will know exactly what to expect from this collection already!
For those new to the Litterbox, Chesca Hause creates comic strips that take a humorous and very perceptive look at parenting via the medium of an anthropomorphic cat family: mum, dad and two young sons.
Her comics are aesthetically pleasing, with bright colours and distinctive, immediately recognisable characters and her writing is witty and utterly relatable. Funny pop culture references also abound, as the feline parents are proud nerdy geeks (or should that be geeky nerds?!).
As a follower of the comic on Facebook, I had already seen many of the comics included in this first paper-copy collection but I love them so much that I would buy this anyway just to have them to keep. And it’s nice to get the pages of explanation and bonus details from Chesca/Fran between the sections. Oh, and the flipbook aspect is super cute!
This makes the ideal gift for fans and/or new parents (seasoned parents are likely to already fall into that first category!), especially for the festive season… who wouldn’t want to fill their Christmas stockings with the contents of the Litterbox?!
For those new to the Litterbox, Chesca Hause creates comic strips that take a humorous and very perceptive look at parenting via the medium of an anthropomorphic cat family: mum, dad and two young sons.
Her comics are aesthetically pleasing, with bright colours and distinctive, immediately recognisable characters and her writing is witty and utterly relatable. Funny pop culture references also abound, as the feline parents are proud nerdy geeks (or should that be geeky nerds?!).
As a follower of the comic on Facebook, I had already seen many of the comics included in this first paper-copy collection but I love them so much that I would buy this anyway just to have them to keep. And it’s nice to get the pages of explanation and bonus details from Chesca/Fran between the sections. Oh, and the flipbook aspect is super cute!
This makes the ideal gift for fans and/or new parents (seasoned parents are likely to already fall into that first category!), especially for the festive season… who wouldn’t want to fill their Christmas stockings with the contents of the Litterbox?!
January 17, 2024
I’ve loved the FB comics and was so excited to get the book for Christmas. And it’s signed!
May 10, 2023
I love the Litterbox Comics as they appear on social media, and this collection is every bit as funny as the online versions. Chesca Hause has perfectly captured the chaos and unpredictability of parenthood in her series, and it's a must read for parents deep in the trenches of parenting young children.
If you like Fowl Language comics, you'll enjoy Litterbox Comics, too!
~ Many thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.~
If you like Fowl Language comics, you'll enjoy Litterbox Comics, too!
~ Many thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.~
September 30, 2023
I laughed at quite a few of these. Parenting is so weird! The comic style is incredible—the expressions are spot on.
June 15, 2025
So much fun! I love this artist!
June 13, 2023
I have been following Litterbox comics on Instagram for a long time! I absolutely love Chesca's sense of humor and how wacky her family is! So when I saw that she released a book, I was so excited and just had to read it!
This comic follows Fran and her family in their random, day-to-day activities! These life adventures are also somewhat separated by chapter themes so you can see how the family gets into many strange situations! I love that the book lacks story structure, so you don't ever really know what you are getting into next! This sets up the book to deliver some awesome candid moments you will likely experience as a parent! (Good, or bad! lol!)
This book is my kinda humor! I love the way Cooper and Vincent are in relation to Fran and Joel. You can tell they give their children a lot of room to be independent and refrain from being a tough/mean parent a lot of us had to struggle with. This has seemingly caused the kids to grow up asking questions, expressing themselves without fear, and having a close relationship with their parents that share the same sense of humor! The kids are so funny. I'm glad parenting is shown in this way because it's a great message to teach new parents!
I also love that Chesca is not afraid to show the actual ups and downs of being a parent! A lot of parenting novels only show the romanticized versions of being a parent, which I dislike because it's disingenuous to perpetuate this narrative. Parenting is hard work and Chesca perfectly displays that while making it funny and relatable for parents and non-parents alike!
And in terms of the artwork, it's awesome! The colors are bright and rich! The illustrations and free and expressive! You can always tell exactly how a character feels/reacted. There are also plenty of visual gags that are so funny to see!
In conclusion, this book is awesome! I may be biased already as I adored the comics already, however this book to wholesome to care about that! I had a blast reading this and you will too!
Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to review this book! I had a wonderful experience and all of my opinions and my own genuine opinions!!
This comic follows Fran and her family in their random, day-to-day activities! These life adventures are also somewhat separated by chapter themes so you can see how the family gets into many strange situations! I love that the book lacks story structure, so you don't ever really know what you are getting into next! This sets up the book to deliver some awesome candid moments you will likely experience as a parent! (Good, or bad! lol!)
This book is my kinda humor! I love the way Cooper and Vincent are in relation to Fran and Joel. You can tell they give their children a lot of room to be independent and refrain from being a tough/mean parent a lot of us had to struggle with. This has seemingly caused the kids to grow up asking questions, expressing themselves without fear, and having a close relationship with their parents that share the same sense of humor! The kids are so funny. I'm glad parenting is shown in this way because it's a great message to teach new parents!
I also love that Chesca is not afraid to show the actual ups and downs of being a parent! A lot of parenting novels only show the romanticized versions of being a parent, which I dislike because it's disingenuous to perpetuate this narrative. Parenting is hard work and Chesca perfectly displays that while making it funny and relatable for parents and non-parents alike!
And in terms of the artwork, it's awesome! The colors are bright and rich! The illustrations and free and expressive! You can always tell exactly how a character feels/reacted. There are also plenty of visual gags that are so funny to see!
In conclusion, this book is awesome! I may be biased already as I adored the comics already, however this book to wholesome to care about that! I had a blast reading this and you will too!
Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to review this book! I had a wonderful experience and all of my opinions and my own genuine opinions!!
May 16, 2023
Baby's first Netgalley! :-)
Cute, fun graphic novel based on "Litterbox Comics" web comics - 3.33* I= liked it!
I was looking for something fun to read. The cover drew me in and it didn't disappoint - it really matches the mood of the book! I'd never previously read these or even heard of them, but it looks like there's a some new unpublished material like the chapter intros with behind the scenes tidbits, notes about the author's process, and are those STICKERS in the back?!
Target audience: Milennial parents but would likely really appeal to Xennials and Zennials with kids in/around the same age range (3-6). I'm GenX and I enjoyed it, but those days already seem so long ago!
To ebook or not to ebook that is the question!
If you were thinking about picking this up, I would recommend a physical copy: why? Well because it's the perfect thing to pick up in those moments when you just can't focus on anything else- on the toilet, rocking a kiddo to sleep. The colorful pages would entertain a little one because even though it's not meant for kids, the imagery is not at all offensive. But, if your kiddos can read, better to read it in private because they will be attracted to the cover and characters and there are some references to private parts and swear words.
Pros / +
-It really does capture the highs and lows of parenting: the messiness, the silliness, the love, the confusion!
-Would make a fun baby for parents who are *theoretically* adults but cling tight to their youth, their hobbies and memorabilia.
Not really a Con but something to consider
-Since this is from author's perspective and it's organized into chapters, we sort of see Dad as a modern version of the TV dad, showing up to either discipline or amuse the kids but he takes care of the cooking, which is great in my book, but if the reader had strong feeling either way about gender roles, they might be disappointed or bothered.
I received an advance digital copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
Cute, fun graphic novel based on "Litterbox Comics" web comics - 3.33* I= liked it!
I was looking for something fun to read. The cover drew me in and it didn't disappoint - it really matches the mood of the book! I'd never previously read these or even heard of them, but it looks like there's a some new unpublished material like the chapter intros with behind the scenes tidbits, notes about the author's process, and are those STICKERS in the back?!
Target audience: Milennial parents but would likely really appeal to Xennials and Zennials with kids in/around the same age range (3-6). I'm GenX and I enjoyed it, but those days already seem so long ago!
To ebook or not to ebook that is the question!
If you were thinking about picking this up, I would recommend a physical copy: why? Well because it's the perfect thing to pick up in those moments when you just can't focus on anything else- on the toilet, rocking a kiddo to sleep. The colorful pages would entertain a little one because even though it's not meant for kids, the imagery is not at all offensive. But, if your kiddos can read, better to read it in private because they will be attracted to the cover and characters and there are some references to private parts and swear words.
Pros / +
-It really does capture the highs and lows of parenting: the messiness, the silliness, the love, the confusion!
-Would make a fun baby for parents who are *theoretically* adults but cling tight to their youth, their hobbies and memorabilia.
Not really a Con but something to consider
-Since this is from author's perspective and it's organized into chapters, we sort of see Dad as a modern version of the TV dad, showing up to either discipline or amuse the kids but he takes care of the cooking, which is great in my book, but if the reader had strong feeling either way about gender roles, they might be disappointed or bothered.
I received an advance digital copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
April 8, 2024
Parenting – as seen in these selections from a webcomic where a family of cats show us all the human motherhood foibles. Here, the mom can tell every different scream and what it means – it's the silence you have to worry about, mind. Here, the Internet is on hand to calmly, gently, bite your freakin' head off if you raise the debate about formula vs natural. Here, adults having a clandestine ice cream without juniors noticing is a task and a half.
The characters are clearly cyphers for the humans in the creator's family, including herself, while several friends turn up as different species (and beware the sharks in the supermarket…). Later on there are breaks from the parental treadmill – with quips about n*tfl*x-and-chillin', and sometimes the actual subject of the gag need not really be juvenile behaviour or the adult response to it (McFlurry machines especially).
Almost everything is a one-pager, of varying length – and it's the sign of a competent gag-writer that the two-panel pieces are so strong (that ill-timed group hug…). It's not hilarious, but as a straight non-breeder I still found this pretty decent. I guess it has the benefit of being a best-of to pick the better material, but it has a good hit-rate, the characterisation is strong, and it doesn't always go for the routine subjects or the most obvious yucks. As I say I found it more than worthwhile, and I dare say most of the 'why need I read it when I've lived it?!' brigade will fall into appreciating its knowing outlook. A strong four stars.
The characters are clearly cyphers for the humans in the creator's family, including herself, while several friends turn up as different species (and beware the sharks in the supermarket…). Later on there are breaks from the parental treadmill – with quips about n*tfl*x-and-chillin', and sometimes the actual subject of the gag need not really be juvenile behaviour or the adult response to it (McFlurry machines especially).
Almost everything is a one-pager, of varying length – and it's the sign of a competent gag-writer that the two-panel pieces are so strong (that ill-timed group hug…). It's not hilarious, but as a straight non-breeder I still found this pretty decent. I guess it has the benefit of being a best-of to pick the better material, but it has a good hit-rate, the characterisation is strong, and it doesn't always go for the routine subjects or the most obvious yucks. As I say I found it more than worthwhile, and I dare say most of the 'why need I read it when I've lived it?!' brigade will fall into appreciating its knowing outlook. A strong four stars.
May 11, 2023
The creator of this comics collection depicts herself and her family as cats, illustrating them in cute and expressive ways to share funny anecdotes from their lives and introduce fictional scenarios. The family dynamics ring true, and some of the comics are quite funny. One of my favorites was the one where a child yells about his parents' music, "All you listen to is bad covers of Kidz Bop songs!" I laughed out loud at that and several others.
The comics appear in short thematic sections. The author wrote an introduction for each section, but the introductions are usually completely skippable, with a lot of repetitive rambling. There's a big emphasis on trying to be relatable, but the downside of that is that a lot of the humor throughout the book involves bratty behavior, crass jokes, and griping about your kids.
There is a lot of humor to mine from kids' bad behavior, and of course parents need to let off steam once in a while, but I felt like this was overly negative at times, with no constructive message or positive modeling for how to deal with difficult scenarios. At the same time, the crass humor and occasional vulgar language make this book more adult than it needs to be, while the best comics about parenting are accessible and funny to both adults and children.
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The comics appear in short thematic sections. The author wrote an introduction for each section, but the introductions are usually completely skippable, with a lot of repetitive rambling. There's a big emphasis on trying to be relatable, but the downside of that is that a lot of the humor throughout the book involves bratty behavior, crass jokes, and griping about your kids.
There is a lot of humor to mine from kids' bad behavior, and of course parents need to let off steam once in a while, but I felt like this was overly negative at times, with no constructive message or positive modeling for how to deal with difficult scenarios. At the same time, the crass humor and occasional vulgar language make this book more adult than it needs to be, while the best comics about parenting are accessible and funny to both adults and children.
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2023
Now, if you’re getting this book, I think there’s a damn good chance it’s because you already know and love the series. Chesca Hause has been putting the claw on the pulse of parenting and cat behavior for a few years, and has amassed quite a little following. This book collects those comics, plus a few which have yet to come out. I actually read this one a month or so ago, and have since seen a few of the unreleased comics appear on the official Facebook page, so it is a little glimpse at what is to come.
Although, by release date, I wonder if all the comics will have appeared online…hmm.
There’s no art update for the oldest strips, but there hasn’t been a huge art jump, either. The characters are a bit less angular, perhaps a bit simpler, but you could flip from firs page to last and still recognize them easily.
This is a good gift pick for gamers/nerds who are ALSO parents. The childfree, even if they’re cat lovers and gamers, probably wouldn’t be so interested, since the parenting content is the main focus. It’s parenting while nerdy, not nerds who also happen to be gamers.
Also, a great way to support the artist! Keep the Litterbox coming!
Advanced reader copy provided by the publisher.
Although, by release date, I wonder if all the comics will have appeared online…hmm.
There’s no art update for the oldest strips, but there hasn’t been a huge art jump, either. The characters are a bit less angular, perhaps a bit simpler, but you could flip from firs page to last and still recognize them easily.
This is a good gift pick for gamers/nerds who are ALSO parents. The childfree, even if they’re cat lovers and gamers, probably wouldn’t be so interested, since the parenting content is the main focus. It’s parenting while nerdy, not nerds who also happen to be gamers.
Also, a great way to support the artist! Keep the Litterbox coming!
Advanced reader copy provided by the publisher.
May 22, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When I was on Instagram a couple years ago (before my ADHD deemed it necessary to get rid of social media altogether), I found these little comics and thought they were great. Unless it's published in a collected volume I suck at keeping up with web comics, so I slammed the request button when I saw this pop up on NetGalley.
Being a parent is truly strange, and Chesca Hause illustrates that really well here (pun intended). We have some patrons with littles, and some of the things they say just send us into fits of giggles. One little guy was asking his mom question after question. He gets right up next to her and says, "Mama? Where are you?" With a confused glance at me and my colleague, she says, "I'm right here, bud."
One of the things that make this collection really memorable is the unique spin with the different animals, not to mention the cat traits incorporated in how parenting goes. (I.g. the 3AM zoomies) It's easy for modern comics to get a little cheesy or for the jokes to fall completely flat. But that doesn't happen here, and I even found myself laughing out loud with a few of the comics.
All that to say, this is a great little collection, for sure.
When I was on Instagram a couple years ago (before my ADHD deemed it necessary to get rid of social media altogether), I found these little comics and thought they were great. Unless it's published in a collected volume I suck at keeping up with web comics, so I slammed the request button when I saw this pop up on NetGalley.
Being a parent is truly strange, and Chesca Hause illustrates that really well here (pun intended). We have some patrons with littles, and some of the things they say just send us into fits of giggles. One little guy was asking his mom question after question. He gets right up next to her and says, "Mama? Where are you?" With a confused glance at me and my colleague, she says, "I'm right here, bud."
One of the things that make this collection really memorable is the unique spin with the different animals, not to mention the cat traits incorporated in how parenting goes. (I.g. the 3AM zoomies) It's easy for modern comics to get a little cheesy or for the jokes to fall completely flat. But that doesn't happen here, and I even found myself laughing out loud with a few of the comics.
All that to say, this is a great little collection, for sure.
May 24, 2023
I may not have kids but that did not stop me from loving this book. “Parenting Is Weird” is a fun collection of comics and some notes from Chesca about her life and parenting. As someone who is thinking of having kids in the near future this book made me really excited instead of nervous. When I think parenthood I get so anxious because I am still a kid at heart how could I parent a kid? But Chesca shows through her wonderful art that no one knows what they are doing. Surviving the day is enough sometimes. It’s also very helpful to laugh at the situations that life brings you, such as your child’s favorite cuddly being the Creeper from Minecraft and we all know what that looks like. Chesca made a book that shows parents aren’t alone and no one has to be perfect and that kids are insane. Parenting Is Weird and everyone is just doing there best and that’s great. Truly a great a read, so adorable, I can not wait to buy a copy of this book (and no it’s not just because I want the stickers that are included)
October 7, 2023
I'm no stranger to Litterbox Comics; I've been following the webcomic online for sometime now. I can understand why it's popular as it is shared all over social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc), the creator's own site and Webtoons. I'm glad to see the webcomic has a book collection now!
The comic itself revolves around the family life of Fran, her husband Joel and their children, Vincent & Cooper, all anthropomorphic cats...who also happen to be pop culture junkies both contemporary (Minecraft, Nintendo Switch) and retro (Super Mario Brothers, Harry Potter). While there are plenty of such pop culture references, much of the humor involves the family in relatable situations such as school, shopping, bedtime, electronics, food, vacations and so on. The pop culture refs never detract or derail the humor (unlike recent Family Guy episodes). The art style is simple yet appealing. And the comics are just plain funny.
Litterbox Comics is worth reading and their first book should be on your shelf. Go get it!!
The comic itself revolves around the family life of Fran, her husband Joel and their children, Vincent & Cooper, all anthropomorphic cats...who also happen to be pop culture junkies both contemporary (Minecraft, Nintendo Switch) and retro (Super Mario Brothers, Harry Potter). While there are plenty of such pop culture references, much of the humor involves the family in relatable situations such as school, shopping, bedtime, electronics, food, vacations and so on. The pop culture refs never detract or derail the humor (unlike recent Family Guy episodes). The art style is simple yet appealing. And the comics are just plain funny.
Litterbox Comics is worth reading and their first book should be on your shelf. Go get it!!
October 16, 2023
If you have ever dealt with poopy diapers, picky eaters, cranky toddlers, or any other mortifying moments that come with being a parent, you're sure to love this collection of toons known on the webs as Litterbox Comics. This family of four will charm you, and maybe even remind you a bit of your own experiences. I enjoyed these cartoons in a been-there-done-that-glad-it's-over-but-wouldn't-have-missed-it-for-the-world kind of way. A very funny collection, and highly recommended.
Many thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for sharing.
Many thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for sharing.
May 2, 2023
Was settling in for what was looking like a fun and funny graphic webcomic book about ‘the misadventures of real-like parenting’ only this time, from the litter box!!! What’s not to love, right?
It started off with cute cat drawings; an interesting sketch study of what the cats would look like; how the author considered doing a parody of Daniel Tiger; and how the author was happy to have kept a journal of her own kid’s exploits…THEN. I hadn’t even get to comic one when there’s an “old people not getting technology” joke on the first character intro profile. Okay so I’m ticked off on page 9. Why! Why is this ageist trope still acceptable? It’s not funny or nice. Gimme a break.
Venturing on, it was pretty basic parenting jokes meets a BoJack Horseman’s vibe with totally random animal fact humor. Picture a suburban Princess Carolyn raising kids.
Also, I found the intro copy featured at each of chapter beginnings totally rambling and all caps, so it was hard to read. Overall, I think this comic is still deciding what it wants to be, but a couple of stars given for its creativity and ambition.
It started off with cute cat drawings; an interesting sketch study of what the cats would look like; how the author considered doing a parody of Daniel Tiger; and how the author was happy to have kept a journal of her own kid’s exploits…THEN. I hadn’t even get to comic one when there’s an “old people not getting technology” joke on the first character intro profile. Okay so I’m ticked off on page 9. Why! Why is this ageist trope still acceptable? It’s not funny or nice. Gimme a break.
Venturing on, it was pretty basic parenting jokes meets a BoJack Horseman’s vibe with totally random animal fact humor. Picture a suburban Princess Carolyn raising kids.
Also, I found the intro copy featured at each of chapter beginnings totally rambling and all caps, so it was hard to read. Overall, I think this comic is still deciding what it wants to be, but a couple of stars given for its creativity and ambition.
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