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My Funny Family
My Funny Family
Mattie is nine years old and she worries about everything. Which isn't surprising. Because when you have a family as big and crazy as hers, there's always something to worry about.
Will the seeds she's planted in the garden with her brothers and sisters grow into fruit and veg like everyone promised? Why does it seem as if Grandma doesn't like them sometimes? And what's wrong with Mum?
Fortunately, reassurance is always close to hand in this first winning story about the lovable Butterfield clan.
Will the seeds she's planted in the garden with her brothers and sisters grow into fruit and veg like everyone promised? Why does it seem as if Grandma doesn't like them sometimes? And what's wrong with Mum?
Fortunately, reassurance is always close to hand in this first winning story about the lovable Butterfield clan.
- GenresChildrensContemporary
128 pages, Paperback
First published August 2, 2012
11 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 7, 2015
This is the first in a series of books about Mattie (Matisse) and her family – her beloved artist father, her pretty young mother and her siblings Dontie (Donatello), V (short for Vera), Stanley and Anika. Mattie worries a lot. She worries about whether the seeds she has planted at school will grow, she worries that her family don’t have enough money, she worries about her friend Lucinda and she worries about why her mother went to the doctor’s…
This book is 122 pages, has 22 short chapters and lots of fun, black and white, illustrations. It is ideal for children moving on to slightly longer chapter books, but is still short enough that it isn’t too challenging. More importantly, it is an absolute delight. There is Grandma, who has ‘standards’ and feels Mattie’s mother ruined her son’s career (the comments go above Mattie’s head, but adults will find much to smile at in this book), the delightfully named Uncle Vesuvius who helps out with everything and the fun that Mattie has in her large, chaotic family. If money is short, then they certainly have each other and all work together to grow vegetables.
Will Mattie manage to grow both her seeds at school and at home? Why exactly did her mother need to go to the doctor’s? This book perfectly captures the confusion of young children when confronted with problems they do not fully understand and the joys – and issues - of family life. The next book in the series is, ”My Funny Family on Holiday,” and I am sure my daughter will be reading on.
This book is 122 pages, has 22 short chapters and lots of fun, black and white, illustrations. It is ideal for children moving on to slightly longer chapter books, but is still short enough that it isn’t too challenging. More importantly, it is an absolute delight. There is Grandma, who has ‘standards’ and feels Mattie’s mother ruined her son’s career (the comments go above Mattie’s head, but adults will find much to smile at in this book), the delightfully named Uncle Vesuvius who helps out with everything and the fun that Mattie has in her large, chaotic family. If money is short, then they certainly have each other and all work together to grow vegetables.
Will Mattie manage to grow both her seeds at school and at home? Why exactly did her mother need to go to the doctor’s? This book perfectly captures the confusion of young children when confronted with problems they do not fully understand and the joys – and issues - of family life. The next book in the series is, ”My Funny Family on Holiday,” and I am sure my daughter will be reading on.
June 13, 2017
The story is told by Mattie, a 9 year old girl, who worries about everything. Not a whole lot happens in the story but it gives a great description of each Butterfield family member and the different dynamics of the way her family functions.
I would definitely read the other series as I found it was a fun read, learning about the different family members and reminded me of people I know.
I would definitely read the other series as I found it was a fun read, learning about the different family members and reminded me of people I know.
September 3, 2019
‘My Funny Family’ is a non-fiction book that I would suggest is suitable for children in ks2 to be read as a group. If reading independently I would suggest for the later end of ks2 due to some of the stories messages. Although non-fiction the story presents real life scenarios that some children might find relatable. It is beneficial to have these conversations with children with an adult to provide the appropriate support where necessary. However, if a child was to read this independently and did not feel able to confide or discuss with someone else, if they shared similar worries, this could be detrimental to that child’s mental health.
The book shares other relatable experiences such as a seed growing story enabling the book to be used alongside science work. Alternatively, the book could spark children’s interest and enthusiasm to trial experiments and growing at home or in school. Relating to the growing topic the book introduces words which some children may not have heard, such as germination. The book cleverly uses the speech within the book to provide definitions to the terminology for the children to understand as they read, developing their list of vocabulary.
The story discusses different family make ups, breaking away from the perceived traditional nuclear family. This is the ideal book for children who show signs of worry as it provides a relatable scenario with supporting advice on how to share your feelings and the importance of talking to a grown up. A teacher knowing their parents and child background could introduce this book to a child if they felt appropriate and would support them understanding their feelings, this highlights the importance of getting to know your class and their family.
The book has limited illustration however I personally feel due to the descriptive terminology, one would feel capable of creating an image through the detailed explanation. This allows for a child’s imagination to envision what they have extracted from the book.
The text is well written and has a clear flow through the book. The use of speech and varied text font for exaggeration makes an enjoyable read for both a teacher to a whole class or independent reading. The short chapters have cleverly been left on cliff hangers, enticing you to read more. This encourages children to read on but can also be used as a reward for good pupil behaviour, such as 'we will continue the book at the end of the day if we get ready in time'.
The book consists of 128 pages and for an adult could easily be read in a short space of time. For this reason I feel it would be a suitable book for both group and independent reading as it is not to short to end without suspense nor too long for children to loose trail of the story line over time if read in segments. In addition, follow up books are available for children who enjoyed the book carrying out in a similar story line.
The book shares other relatable experiences such as a seed growing story enabling the book to be used alongside science work. Alternatively, the book could spark children’s interest and enthusiasm to trial experiments and growing at home or in school. Relating to the growing topic the book introduces words which some children may not have heard, such as germination. The book cleverly uses the speech within the book to provide definitions to the terminology for the children to understand as they read, developing their list of vocabulary.
The story discusses different family make ups, breaking away from the perceived traditional nuclear family. This is the ideal book for children who show signs of worry as it provides a relatable scenario with supporting advice on how to share your feelings and the importance of talking to a grown up. A teacher knowing their parents and child background could introduce this book to a child if they felt appropriate and would support them understanding their feelings, this highlights the importance of getting to know your class and their family.
The book has limited illustration however I personally feel due to the descriptive terminology, one would feel capable of creating an image through the detailed explanation. This allows for a child’s imagination to envision what they have extracted from the book.
The text is well written and has a clear flow through the book. The use of speech and varied text font for exaggeration makes an enjoyable read for both a teacher to a whole class or independent reading. The short chapters have cleverly been left on cliff hangers, enticing you to read more. This encourages children to read on but can also be used as a reward for good pupil behaviour, such as 'we will continue the book at the end of the day if we get ready in time'.
The book consists of 128 pages and for an adult could easily be read in a short space of time. For this reason I feel it would be a suitable book for both group and independent reading as it is not to short to end without suspense nor too long for children to loose trail of the story line over time if read in segments. In addition, follow up books are available for children who enjoyed the book carrying out in a similar story line.
September 9, 2021
1 ☆
Escuché el audiolibro y meH, qué se yo, no me produjo nada.
Escuché el audiolibro y meH, qué se yo, no me produjo nada.
August 21, 2013
Mattie is telling the story, she is 9, her sister V is 7, brother Dontie is 11, brother Stanley 4 and Anika who is 2. Mattie is a worrier, she worries about everything, from how will they eat if there isn’t enough money for food, why doesn’t her Grandma like them and what would happen if her parents stopped liking each other?
Most of the worries are based on bits of information gleaned from overheard conversations and observations of daily life, none of which give Mattie the full picture, so she fills in the gaps, and creates worries for herself. When Mum has to put some things back at the supermarket, because she can’t afford it all, Mattie worries about how they will be able to eat. The solution to this one is easy, they will plant a veggie patch. Not only will they have food to eat, but they can sell what they don’t need for a bit of extra money. The problem of Grandma being so crazy is helped by the veggie garden too, as it’s something that Grandma can help with, and all of the family work together to make it work.
Then there’s the new problem with Mum being sick. She’s been ill, losing weight, has been to the doctor, but won’t say what she found out, Mattie is terrified that she will die like their neighbour Auntie Etna. When her Mum and Dad find out she has been carrying all of these worries around with her, they let her in on a secret that no-one else knows!
I am a big fan of the Casson Family stories by Hilary McKay, Permanent Rose is probably my standout, this book reminded me of those stories. This book is for a younger audience than the Casson books, but they have the same feel. A large family, artistic parents, all of the children unique characters and a story that deals with daily life, which sounds like it could be a boring book, but it’s charming, sad and laugh out loud funny all at the same time.
Most of the worries are based on bits of information gleaned from overheard conversations and observations of daily life, none of which give Mattie the full picture, so she fills in the gaps, and creates worries for herself. When Mum has to put some things back at the supermarket, because she can’t afford it all, Mattie worries about how they will be able to eat. The solution to this one is easy, they will plant a veggie patch. Not only will they have food to eat, but they can sell what they don’t need for a bit of extra money. The problem of Grandma being so crazy is helped by the veggie garden too, as it’s something that Grandma can help with, and all of the family work together to make it work.
Then there’s the new problem with Mum being sick. She’s been ill, losing weight, has been to the doctor, but won’t say what she found out, Mattie is terrified that she will die like their neighbour Auntie Etna. When her Mum and Dad find out she has been carrying all of these worries around with her, they let her in on a secret that no-one else knows!
I am a big fan of the Casson Family stories by Hilary McKay, Permanent Rose is probably my standout, this book reminded me of those stories. This book is for a younger audience than the Casson books, but they have the same feel. A large family, artistic parents, all of the children unique characters and a story that deals with daily life, which sounds like it could be a boring book, but it’s charming, sad and laugh out loud funny all at the same time.
March 2, 2015
Author: Chris Higgins
Illustrator: Lee Wildish
First Published: 2012
Length: 122 pages
Extras: Activity sheets available for download from author's website
Recommended to me by Daughter, My Funny Family is a sweet, funny, family-based story where pretty much nothing happens. An appealing story about family dynamics and.. not much else. No conflict. No mystery. No story arc. Just an easy read with interesting, non-confrontational learning opportunities:
- how to deal with all those little worries
- how plants grow
- parental disharmony
- acceptance of others
- pregnancy
- friendship issues, particularly when one friend is acting out
and so on.
A book that doesn't talk down to the young readers but hits the right notes to make a little book to inspire readers.
3.5 stars rounded up.
Age:
Read aloud - 5+
Read yourself - 8+
References:
Chris Higgins' website: http://chrishigginsthatsme.com/flv_po...
Lee Wildish's website: http://www.leewildish.com/lee_wildish...
(ISBN 9780340989845)
-CR-
Illustrator: Lee Wildish
First Published: 2012
Length: 122 pages
Extras: Activity sheets available for download from author's website
Recommended to me by Daughter, My Funny Family is a sweet, funny, family-based story where pretty much nothing happens. An appealing story about family dynamics and.. not much else. No conflict. No mystery. No story arc. Just an easy read with interesting, non-confrontational learning opportunities:
- how to deal with all those little worries
- how plants grow
- parental disharmony
- acceptance of others
- pregnancy
- friendship issues, particularly when one friend is acting out
and so on.
A book that doesn't talk down to the young readers but hits the right notes to make a little book to inspire readers.
3.5 stars rounded up.
Age:
Read aloud - 5+
Read yourself - 8+
References:
Chris Higgins' website: http://chrishigginsthatsme.com/flv_po...
Lee Wildish's website: http://www.leewildish.com/lee_wildish...
(ISBN 9780340989845)
-CR-
November 13, 2015
This series is perfect for readers aged 7 to 10 gaining confidence in their reading, and also life in all its many manifestations.
Chris Higgins is brilliant at depicting families - and she doesn't despatch with parents as so many writers for children understandably do. She makes them part and parcel of the landscapes of her books, every bit as prone to dramas as the children are. Mattie, the worried narrator of the series, reveals so much without properly understanding the consequences of what's going on, but she gets there in the end. Her take on the world is funny, but we don't laugh at her as much as with her.
These stories remind me a bit of The Family From One End Street books by Eve Garnett.
Chris Higgins is brilliant at depicting families - and she doesn't despatch with parents as so many writers for children understandably do. She makes them part and parcel of the landscapes of her books, every bit as prone to dramas as the children are. Mattie, the worried narrator of the series, reveals so much without properly understanding the consequences of what's going on, but she gets there in the end. Her take on the world is funny, but we don't laugh at her as much as with her.
These stories remind me a bit of The Family From One End Street books by Eve Garnett.
March 26, 2016
I first started reading these books to my daughter when she was four. Now at nearly seven she reads them herself. Hilarious, sometimes serious, and often chaotic tales of family life told through the eyes of 9 year old Mattie Butterfield, a compulsive worrier. Delightful books and highly recommended.
June 13, 2014
it't a great book
December 2, 2015
Family life seen through the eyes of Mattie who is a worrier. Many life lessons and a loving family
August 14, 2016
What a brilliant start to the series. I can't wait to read more. Ideal early chapter book for a child starting school who worries a lot.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews