Meltdown!

by Jill Murphy

From the creator of the beloved Large family comes a sympathetic—and simply hilarious—look at a toddler’s grocery-store tantrum.

One morning, Mom decides to take Roxy grocery shopping. "Roxy can help Mommy," she says cheerfully. Roxy makes a promising start, but when she squeezes the potato chip bag and rolls a can of beans across the floor, Mom is not pleased. "You’re not being very helpful, Roxy," she says, plunking the child back in the grocery cart. "Not very helpful," Roxy agrees. But being agreeable lasts only as far as the bakery aisle, where the need for a certain piggy-face cake spurs a level of high-decibel determination—and a display of headfirst acrobatics—that has onlookers staring in awe. With the signature humor that made Five Minutes’ Peace a classic, Jill Murphy escalates a toddler meltdown to its comical breaking point, leaving readers laughing and heaving a sigh of relief not to be driving (or riding in) that grocery cart.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Humor, Animals, Kids

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 13, 2016

About the author

Jill Murphy was a London-born English children's author, best known for The Worst Witch series and the Large Family picture books. She has been described as "one of the most engaging writers and illustrators for children in the land."

Jill Murphy was born in London and attended the Ursuline Convent in Wimbledon which, together with the boarding school stories she enjoyed reading, provided much of the material and inspiration Miss Cackle's Academy in the The Worst Witch, which she started when she was 15. She put the book on hold as she attended both Chelsea and Croydon Art Schools, but continued to write it whilst living in a village in Togo, West Africa for a year and then whilst working as a nanny back at home. The book was published when Jill turned 24 and proved an instant success. However, Jill continued working as a nanny until the publication of The Worst Witch Strikes Again prompted her to devote herself to full-time writing. The Worst Witch stories have become some of the most outstandingly successful titles on the Young Puffin paperback list and have sold more than 3 million copies. They were also made into a major ITV series. She was also well known for her picture books and was commended in the 1980 Kate Greenaway Medal for Peace at Last. A Quiet Night In was shortlisted for the same medal in 1994. She was perhaps best known for the very popular Mr and Mrs Large picture books, which detail the domestic chaos of an elephant family. Five Minute's Peace won the 1987 Parents Magazine Best Books for Babies Award, as well as being shortlisted for the 1986 Children's Book Award. All in One Piece was highly commended for the 1987 Kate Greenaway Award and shortlisted for the 1987 Children's Book Award. The Last Noo-noo won the 0-5 category of the 1995 Smarties Book Prize and in the same year was shortlisted for the English 4-11 Outstanding Children's Book of the Year, going on to win the 1996 Sheffield Children's Book Award. It won the 1996 Gateshead Gold Award. In the same year it was adapted as a play and performed at the Polka Theatre, London.

Reviews

[Stace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com

One day Mum and Ruby went to the supermarket. At first little Ruby was being helpful. She may not have done every job her mum gave her perfectly, but she tried. That was until her mum put a cake with a pig on it into the shopping trolley, Ruby’s favourite cake.

Ruby wanted to hold the cake so her mum let her, then she squeezed the box a little too tightly and the cake fell out. She then wanted to eat the cake, now. Her mum told her no, so she screamed and shouted all the way around the shop, and all the way home, making her mum very cross with her.

The book is about Ruby and her mum and Ruby’s bad behaviour. Her mum puts it down to tiredness, and us parent all know what tired toddlers can be like! I was reading further and further into the book, hoping that her mum didn’t let her have the cake after her behaviour. To be honest we will never know as the book ends with Ruby saying sorry and asking for the cake.

The book reminds me of a shopping trip with my youngest son when he was about 2 years old. I’d put something in the basket he liked and he wanted it. He was told no, not until we got home, but he yelled and yelled. People were looking at us. Telling him off and reasoning with him didn’t work. In the end, I just ignored him. he made such a fuss that I didn’t even end up buying the item as I told him he was no longer allowed it. He actually never did it again. I’m very lucky in that respect.

I think the story is a useful one to show a child how not to behave. I think it would have been better had the book ended with the mum telling her she was no longer allowed the cake after she was very naughty, to show that bad behaviour doesn’t get rewarded, but that is just my opinion.

The full-page illustrations are beautiful and the plot was enjoyable. I don’t believe that this book shows bad behaviour in a good light, but rather is a good talking point for an adult to speak to a child about what is happening in the story and for them to communicate how naughty Ruby was being.

[Rebecca Gomez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Is this book for kids or adults? I wonder, because it is the story of a cringe-worthy parenting nightmare in which there is zero character development and no resolution to the conflict. As an adult piece, mildly humorous. As a picture book for kids, horrifying.

[Robin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kid has a tantrum at the grocery. I don't want to relive this experience.

[Cat Strawberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a funny picture book which many parents could relate to but it may not be enjoyed by all. Ruby wants to help her mum on a shopping trip. When they get to the supermarket Ruby helps put the groceries into the trolley, but it’s not long before this bunny gets bored and starts to be unhelpful, and then she spots a cake…

‘Meltdown!’ is a paperback picture book about A4 in size and is filled with thick colourful glossy pages with lots of colourful illustrations. The story is a simple one and shows young Ruby putting things into the trolley every time her mum asks, she becomes easily bored though and starts to play with the groceries making her mum stressed. When she spots a cake though, things go from bad to worse and mum soon realises what a bad idea it was to let her daughter just hold the cake. The story made me laugh as I’ve seen plenty of parents go through situations like this with children who have tantrums, and that’s all this book is really about. The way the story unfolds though does make for funny reading, although the ending is one which some may dislike.

The book has some really lovely illustrations. I’m already familiar with Jill Murphy’s illustrations from the Large Family books, and these images are just the same. They’re very detailed and cute at the same time and I love all the extra details in the background, especially the annoyed faces of some of the other shoppers. I’m not sure why I love the illustrations so much but there’s something about this style that feels reminiscent of books I had as a child and I can’t help but enjoy looking at all the pictures.

The ending is a bit strange. I personally didn’t mind the ending, it is very funny, and I can see some others enjoying it too however it doesn’t have the best ending in terms of teaching kids good behaviour. Ruby is sort of cheeky, she doesn’t really learn any lesson or feel bad for reacting the way she does and the story ends without us knowing what happens. Some other reviewers have aired concerns over the fact that the book would promote bad behaviour, and I can understand why, but at the same time I think it depends on what individual children are like and whether a parent can sit with them and have a short conversation at the end asking them what Ruby should have done instead of what actually happened in the story.

I think this book will definitely appeal to a lot of people and is something most of us have either experienced personally or seen happen to others with their kids. I know that as a child I would have enjoyed the book, for the illustrations and the funny ending and because of this I still give the book 4 stars.
-Thanks to Walker Books for a free copy.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A toddler has a meltdown in the grocery store.

A mommy bunny goes grocery shopping with her toddler daughter Roxy. Things start off well with Roxy walking next to her mother, but Roxy begins typical toddler hijinks as her attention span begins to wane. (A reasonable expectation for child's attention span is 1 to 5 minutes per year of the child's age.) Roxy's mother puts her in the cart.

Then her mother makes "A BIG MISTAKE". She goes to the bakery section and gets a boxed cake, which she allows her child to hold. Up until this point, the mother had been doing a good job being gentle but authoritative, but she suddenly starts being passive and allows her overstimulated child to hold the easily damaged food item. The child attempts to open the packaging, squishes and then smashes the cake, tussles with her mother, has a full-on meltdown in the store, and then cries and screams all the way home.

Once they get home, the mother bunny attempts to debrief with limited success.

Young readers will relate to the experience of having a tantrum in public, and caregivers will relate to the experience of having a child in their care have a public meltdown. This story allows readers to reflect upon their own experience and the experience of others.

The illustrations were done in colored pencils and pen.

As a parent, I appreciated that the text of the story plainly and honestly stated "THEN MOM MADE A BIG MISTAKE." It also clearly shows where things went wrong. The adult should have known better, but as caregivers, we have all had lapses in judgement that led to disaster. (Personally, I think that the mother should not have been buying processed sugar for her child who was rapidly becoming increasingly disregulated. That is pouring gasoline on the flames.) Clearly, the mother should have put the cake into the cart too far for her child to reach and then booked it to the checkout. Instead, she allowed her chid to negotiate and talk her into letting her hold the cake, which, of course, she wanted to rip open and immediately start eating. This prompted a struggle over possession of the item, which got destroyed in the process, and the child completely lost control.

This is an important lesson for caregivers. As much as we want our children to like us and be happy at all times, everything can't be negotiable. As the adults in charge, it is our responsibility to set boundaries and enforce rules. Sometimes children need to be allowed to experience negative emotions and not get to do what they want to do. This is part of developing coping skills and building resilience, emotional self-regulation, and self-control. Part of the epidemic of fragile children is due to their caregivers never telling them "no" and never requiring them to follow rules and expectations, so when they enter the school system (or the work environment), they are unable to cope because they never learned how.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mom decides to take her young child, Roxy, to the grocery store. Roxy begins by putting things in the cart that her mom hands to her. Good start! But as time goes on Roxy squeezes the chips bag, rolls a can of beans across the floor, etc. Mom tells her she isn’t happy with what she is seeing and Roxy always parrots the words back. But when they come to the bakery aisle they choose a piggy-face cake. Since Mom's seen that Roxy is going downhill with following instructions, she tells her she can’t hold the cake. Roxy puts on a sweet face and says, “Just HOLD the piggy cake.” OOPS! Mom is about to make a very big mistake. She gives in and hands the cake to Roxy. Roxy holds on to the cake and says loudly that she now has the piggy cake. Then she squeezes it tightly to prove who has it now.  Mom tries to get the cake back since it's now falling out of the box. She attempts to lift Roxy out of the cart, but Roxy sticks her legs out straight and falls over backward. What’s to come of the rest of the shopping?

Cons: I can see why some might see this as horrible parenting and reactions by the child. However . . . (see below)

Pros: While I understand the reactions above, I see this as a way to show a child, who is prone to tantrums, how silly they look. And for new parents, I hope they recognize the mistakes made by the parent. Both of these things can be talked about in-depth with young children. This should show the child that the reader is not going to make the same mistakes as Roxy's mom, so not to try since there's no chance it will fly. Even the surprise last page opens up great discussions.

The illustrations are so expressive that any parent who has experienced meltdown should be able to relate. (And I totally remember taking my child off Santa’s lap one Christmas. Meltdown all the way to the car, which seemed 15 miles away since I was wearing a heavy winter coat!)

See all of this review and other newer picture book reviews: http://picturebooksleuth.com

[Becs · Rating 2 out of 5]

The problem with this book comes down to two, maybe three, things. Although it is slightly redeemed by the fabulous illustrations - they really are cute.

Ruby, the bunny rabbit in the shopping trolley with her mum, is not likeable. Even to children - and that's a massive issues because, certainly for my houshold anyway, children love to (and easily) become invested in a lovable character. I'm sure she's supposed to be funny, but reading about a naughty child playing up in a supermarket was not a comical experience from an adult or child's perspective. So there's the first red flag for me.

Then, Ruby proceeds to basically echo everything her mum says to her. For example, if her mum asked her to put some bread in the trolley, Ruby replies with "in the trolley" and this genuinely goes on and on for pages. It makes for very boring, repetitive and honestly, kind of annoying narrative which certainly isn't enjoyable to read to a child, but is also very dull for the child being read to!

Finally, sometimes when reading a book to a small reader it can feel as though the story is more for the adult than for the child. Sometimes this is infrequent throughout the book and isn't a bad thing. But I felt as though this entire book was intended to ring true for many parents embarrassing experiences in the supermarket rather than for the child at all - I can't see how this would ever appeal to a small child when basically nothing happens. In my experience so far, quietly educational or deliberately comical stories are more of a crowd-pleaser. And this wasn't either.

The bunnies are really very lovely and executed beautifully, but not lovely enough to forgive the story.

ARC provided free from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mum is taking Ruby to the supermarket. At first Ruby helps with putting things in the basket but then starts behaving badly until finally she has a complete and utter meltdown and temper tantrum in the supermarket. Something all parents can relate to.

Firstly I should point out that I think there are two versions of this story. One with Roxy and grocery carts as shown in the book's descrption & one with Ruby and a shopping trolley. I think this is a sign that the publishers did actually provide an English and an American version of this book - fantastic!

I didn't really take to this book. Firstly I would hate to think that any child would read this book & think the behaviour was acceptable. A child could quite happily copy such behaviour. I also found Ruby's talking very irritating. Whatever her Mum said Ruby copied in a babyish manner - "Do It Properly" said Mum, "Prop'ly" said Ruby. This parroting happens all the way through the book and I found it irritating to read and frankly quite boring.

The illustrations are interesting with the text split up around the page.

I am afraid that I just didn't take to this story. It isn't one I found particularly interesting for a child and certainly not one I'd want to read to a child - I would worry about them copying the behaviour and the speech! I wonder if this book is really more as a sympathy gesture for all those adults who have been in this position.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

[Haley]

"Meltdown!" by Jill Murphy is the story of Roxy, a young rabbit, who gets to go to the store with her mom and help her buy groceries. At first, Roxy is very helpful. However, things quickly go south when Roxy wants to hold a cake that her mom told her to put in the cart. When Roxy asks to hold it again, her mom agrees, but Roxy decides she actually wants to eat the cake right there! When her mom says "no," Roxy throws a huge fit and refuses to listen to her mom for the rest of the shopping trip until they get home.

Honestly, I really was not a huge fan of this book. I was expecting some sort of moral of the story at the end- something that kids who read it would learn and as a result, NOT throw a fit when they find themselves in a similar situation as Roxy. This did not happen, and I was disappointed. However, the illustrations were cute and did a good job at depicted the character's emotions throughout the story.

I would use this in therapy for pragmatics and language. If my client displayed a need for behavior modification, I would go through this book with them and ask what they thought of Roxy's outburst. I would point out the facial expressions of the mother, as well as the strangers seen throughout the store, and ask the client what they thought those people were thinking about Roxy's meltdown. In this way, I believe it would help the client get an idea of the effect their similar outbursts have on those around them.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murphy, Jill Meltdown! PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2016. $15.99. Content: G.

Roxy is helping her mom do the grocery shopping. She loves to help place items in the grocery cart. She is doing a good job, until she sees her favorite “piggy cake”. Roxy loves the piggy cake and she wants it right now. When mom tells her she must wait a meltdown ensues.

This is a cute book showing a temper tantrum at it’s best. A good tool for getting young children to recognize their actions and talk through their frustrations.

EL (K-3), OPTIONAL. Jen M. Elementary Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved Jill Murphy stories for many, many years, since reading the adventures of the Large family to my own kids - read each of those many, many times ! I purchased Meltdown! after witnessing a father and young daughter reading this aloud together in Foyles at Waterloo Station, oblivious to the busy station around them, giggling all the time. Having read it , I've realised the source of their mirth, this story is so reminiscent of my own struggles with a stubborn, recalcitrant toddler and naughty Ruby is just perfect. As always the illustrations are charming and delightful, a perfect book for parents and children to share, lots of fun for the adult reading as well as for the child.

[Hajer Gomri · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really did not enjoy reading this book with my 6 year old autistic son. Both he and I were left confused throughout the whole story. He also got terrified of the demonic bunny stare on the page where Ruby demands for piggy cake.
I assumed this book would help teach my son about how to deal with a meltdown. However, the bunny not only gave her mother such a difficult time in the super market, but she also got away with it. I really didn't like how the book normalises a mother's stress and the constant judging received by strangers , instead of empathy and understanding.

[Sienna · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Mum handed Ruby a loaf of bread. "Can you put this in the trolley please?" She asked.
"In the trolley!" said Ruby, throwing the bread up in the air.
"Not throwing it!" Said Mum. "Do it nicely!"
"Nicely", agreed Ruby.'

I think the book is really funny because Ruby doesn't know how to speak properly.

[Peggy Archer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roxy and her mom go to the grocery story, and are off to a good start. But like most young children, Roxy's helpfulness and good behavior can only last so long. Kids, and moms, will relate to this story of Roxy's 'Meltdown.'

[Cadie Holmes · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so glad to finally find a book to read my kiddo about meltdowns. I felt let down. The mom did not try to help walk the kiddo through her emotions or how to regulate them or model coping skills. Then there was no apology or reconnection or consequences.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is for the parents.

[FIND ME ON STORYGRAPH · Rating 1 out of 5]

legit one of the worst picture books I've ever read. it's a cautionary tale for adults -- DON'T HAVE CHILDREN.

[Benjamin Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felt realistic, not sure I want to read it to my kid.

[Emily]

Summary
This book is about a bunny named Roxy who goes to the grocery store with her mom. In the beginning Roxy helps her mom put the groceries in the cart. Then she gets her favorite cake but wants to hold it and her mom made the mistake of letting her because after that she wanted to eat it right there in the store. When her mom tried taking the cake from her Roxy threw a huge temper tantrum and the cake went everywhere. She then goes home and calms down but still asks her mom for more cake.
Activity
For this book they could tell the story in the point of view of her mom while Roxy is throwing a temper tantrum.

Murphy, J. (2016). Meltdown! London: Walker Books.

[Kirsty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not at all impressed by this

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this book because she gets a piggy cake but she says "Mommy, have the piggy cake in the store!"

[Grace H · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was no resolution or consequences for the child’s bad behavior.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so true to life of young mothers taking their two year olds to the grocery store and regretting it afterwards. Roxy does all the things I hear about from my daughter and her children.
Roxie is a good helper but short attention spans and tiredness takes over. Love the illustrations and it is a fun to read aloud to young children. They see how the mother and the other shoppers feel about the shopping helper.

[Teresa Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping this book would be useful for parents or teachers who want to help children learn skills to cool down when they get upset. Unfortunately it is not. It is a simple story about a little girl, Roxy, who doesn't get her way and throws a fit. The mom is exasperated and embarrassed. The child is unhappy and unruly. Mom tells Roxy that she is naughty. Roxy finally says, "please". The end. It could have been so much more.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars If you are a parent, aunt, uncle babysitter or human, you have experiences this book. Toddler is helping mom grocery shop and it all goes down the tube when toddler has a meltdown. It is true and funny and most parents will relate to this. It is comic relief so that parents know they are the only ones dealing with the joys of parenthood!

[Suzie Bookgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every parent has had these moments with their children in the supermarket and other places. This story is both funny and uncomfortably real. I laughed knowing exactly what was coming. A great book to start discussions about behavior and feelings.

[Robin Raines-Bond · Rating 3 out of 5]

lol! Anyone who has taken a toddler shopping will relate to this adorably frustrating book. The illustrations are so funny.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's like there was a picture book of my life.

[Colleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The mom's expectations were ridiculous.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book....any Mommy can sympathize....pushing your toddler to get through one more errand, before they explode!