There's a Green Plastic Monkey in My Purse: And Other Ways Motherhood Changes Us

by Jessie Clemence

There’s no doubt about it! Motherhood changes your life—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Find practical insights and biblical wisdom to help you display humility, patience, and love in the book There’s a Green Plastic Monkey in My Purse . With a casual tone and sense of humor Jessie Clemence creatively expresses challenges faced by moms as she explores God’s perspective on motherhood and shares her personal experiences as a mother of two. Includes a funny quiz, interesting interviews with moms, study questions, and more.

Genres: Parenting, Christian, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2013

About the author

Christ-follower, wife, mother, and writer. I love to encourage others with ridiculous stories and thoughts from my own life. I love to read the Bible, to seek God for who He really is. And then I write all about it.

I love desserts, reading, and redecorating my house.

I do not love our cat, skinny jeans, or dirty dishes in my sink.

I'm glad you're here!

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite the cutesy title, this is a serious book for women who want to be a selfless mother, a patient mother, a peaceful and well-balanced mother, one who is encouraging, who has hope, who can find joy all around her, who has a sincere heart and puts God's priorities first.

She knows that God has a different plan for each of us, so while some may homeschool and others can't wait to return to work, we have to remember that we are not other people. What works for one family will not work for another, and we should focus on being good at who we are, being persistent and patient with our children as they reinforce the lessons that God is teaching us.

Unlike many parenting books, which seem designed to make you feel you've been doing it all wrong and everyone else has the answer, this book is full of gentle encouragement, building you up from a Biblical perspective, and encouraging you to really think about your priorities and plans. (That's not to say there isn't some real advice here: we should all know which hills we're willing to die on.) The most important thing? To remember that God loves us, and that we can do anything - if we just ask for His help and advice.

Each chapter finishes with some thought-provoking questions, which sometimes generate surprising answers, and well-chosen Scripture references give you the opportunity for further study. And it really is about being a good Christian role-model to your children, rather than the act of parenting in a Christian way, with equal weight given to putting God at the center of your family and in considering parenting strategies.

If you only read one book about parenting as a Christian, make it this one.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 2016, I lost my mother prematurely to endometrial cancer and this was the last book she recommended to me. It was the same year I had given birth to my first child and as a first time mum not knowing what I was doing, being stressed, overcome with grief and anger—I was unable to face what had happened to me. So I put the title on the back burner aka my wish list on amazon.

Fast forward to 2021 and after the birth of my second child, finally I felt the need to give this book a go. English wasn’t my mother’s first language but she clearly found resonance in it and told me to read it so why wait any longer? And I am so so glad I have. I have screen-captured so many pages and quotes for my Christian friends. I have used her Bible passages for reflection. It is a wholesome little book with bite size wisdom. Thank you mom. I love you and miss you.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit that I sighed a bit when I picked up this book. I read a fair number of parenting books and it seems that there is very little new under the sun when it comes to these works. With this book, I prepared myself for more of the same.

I was pleasantly surprised.

In There's a Green Plastic Monkey in my Purse, Jessie Clemence does not inform us what we need to do to be perfect parents. Instead, she let's us know that it is okay to not be perfect--we never will be, but we can do our best. There is little in the way of actual advice in this book, and that's just fine.

If I had to describe what it felt like to read this book, it would like someone was holding my hand and letting me know that I was not alone. All mothers struggle from time to time and the trick is to not get lost in your struggle but to hand things over to God. I read a fair number of Christian parenting books and, frankly, this has been my favorite so far.

There were some moments of advice--I found the last 2 chapters before the conclusion to be the most useful. While reading about her maniacal neat-freak grandmother and aunts, I felt an almost uncontrollable urge to get up and purge my house of the clutter (and I would have, had I not been sick at the time I read that!). And while I personally didn't find many tips and tricks in the rest of the book, I did find a fair amount of comfort.

If someone were to ask me for a Christian parenting book, this would be the one that I recommend.

I received an electronic copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review. I received no other compensation for this post.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Here is my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. I expected it to be more humor - and there were bits of humor but that is not the focus.

Clemence really hits the profound truth of Motherhood as God designed it in a no-holds barred kind of way....but full of love and grace at the same time. The big truth - as mothers we are to be selfless - and she points that out in scripture. There were many points that I highlighted as gentle reminders that I should be more focused on my family, than myself. Early in the book, Clemence states "I can become the mother I want to be because God is the parent who loved me first". I am so thankful for His patience with me --- of course my child deserves that from me as well. He sets an example of how to love our children.

One reason I found this book enjoyable was Clemence's writing style - it was easy to follow and felt very genuine. I appreciated her first person point of view and perspective that she doesn't have it all figured out exactly - but she knows what the goal is and has identified the steps (actions and attitudes) to get there.

I have an eARC copy of this book but will eventually add the printed version to my library to refer back when I need encouragement and gentle reminders of how I can be a better mother.

[GothChickVibing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: There's a Green Plastic Monkey in My Purse

Author: Jessica Clemence

Genre: Christian, Nonfiction, Motherhood, Humor, Parenting

Plot: Written with a purpose in mind and wrapped in a cozy sense of humor {see title for proof}, this book features a fun quiz, interesting interviews of other moms {oh the joys of being friends with a writer!} and scripture to help you along this difficult journey known as motherhood. Each chapter focuses on a different character trait we as mothers are or should be striving to show in our lives, modeling the good behavior we want our kids to display.

With humorous personal accounts to balance the often hard to swallow truths and lessons, this book is ideal for any mother. And can be read with a toddler attempting to distract you; believe me, I tried it.

Likes/Dislikes: While I didn't enjoy every aspect of this book {the medical chapter hit rather close to home}, I did enjoy the organizing chapter a lot and the overall tone of comfort and seeking God in the big and little things was soothing to me and helpful.

Rating: PG-14 and up, mainly for reading level.

Date Review Written: April 29th, 2016

I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the publishers and Netgalley. I wasn't required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed in the above review are my own.

[Cheri Swalwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading a great devotional titled, There’s A Plastic Green Monkey in My Purse by Jessie Clemence. This is a great devotional that offers encouragement to parents no matter what stage of parenthood you find yourself.

I find myself challenged because there is always room for improvement, even when you think you are doing well in a certain area. In fact, the best way to find out you aren’t doing well in a certain area is to start thinking you are. Your children, given enough time, will put you in your place (at least that’s been my experience). She touches on so many different aspects of motherhood and uses not only examples from her own life but other parents she interviewed in the back of various chapters. There are also discussion questions that can be used individually, in a small group, or even a book club, to help you dig further into your parenthood journey.

I would like to encourage those who are parents to pick up a book for themselves and possibly one for a friend. If you are a grandparent, this would make a great gift for your kids. When we come alongside each other and encourage one another in the parenting journey, it truly benefits us all, especially, our children who are the next generation.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review on Sunrise Avenue (http://alyssazech.blogspot.com) pending.

Initial thoughts:
I liked it! The author was cute and relatable. I loved the blurbs--interviews with her friends and Q&A sessions. Those were one of my favorite parts actually.

The book was broken up in chapters that described what every mother wishes she could be (ex I want to be a Selfless Mother). The chapter then spent time discussing this aspect. It sounded weird at first but turned out great. I am glad it was short. Often times parenting books become too lengthy and hard to keep up with when you actually have a child. The chapters were also broken up into different sections and each section covered a part of that chapter's aspect. This made it really easy to put down, engage in life, then pick it up again.

The only reason it didn't get the full 5 stars from me is because I didn't feel it was quite original enough. I also would have preferred more practical tips and advice to be interspersed with that great knowledge.

I would recommend to all Christian mommies who struggle with mommy guilt or how to receive grace for not 'measuring up' to the World.

[Wendi Nunnery · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book showcases many of the wonderful things I've heard—and experienced—regarding motherhood. Jessie Clemence does a good job of conveying the sheer terror, hilarity, and love that encompasses the job of raising little humans...but There's A Green Plastic Monkey in My Purse is, unfortunately, not as memorable as I would have liked it to be. It was strong and, at times, funny. Clearly, Clemence knows the sacrifice and struggle of loving someone more than yourself, and I loved that about her. I just didn't feel that her book had more to say on the subject that I didn't already know, even as a mother of one (and a toddler, at that).

The highlight of There's A Green Plastic Monkey in My Purse comes from Clemence's attempt to highlight motherhood as the spiritual calling that it is, and she does so without any of the anti-feminist jargon that so often accompanies such high praise. Her theology is pretty straightforward stuff, but it served as a necessary reminder during a season of life that sometimes feels more like war than it does peace. I appreciated Clemence's effort here, and I think others will, too.

[Taryn Raulston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Motherhood is full of surprises! Although you never expect to hear yourself say, "There's a Green Plastic Monkey in My Purse" author Jessie Clemence shows in her book that we should be prepared for the kind of mother we want to be for when those unexpected things happen.

Clemence takes topics that every mom struggles with, like being happy, smart, productive and organized and gives insightful, practical and biblical advice on being the best mom you can be in those areas.

This book is not an in depth study of any particular area, but covers broad topics and through humor, she shares thought-provoking ideas for improving in several areas of motherhood.

Clemence uses Scripture well and for those unfamiliar with it she explains the story within the whole context of the biblical story line.

This is a great book to share with non-Christian moms because every mom deals with these issues. In a fun and encouraging way, Clemence presents faith and hope in Christ as the solution to our struggles in motherhood.

[Gayle Pace · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW:

THERE'S A GREEN PLASTIC MONKEY IN MY PURSE by Jessie Clemence is a good source of encouragement to any age parent or the age of your children. So many parts of motherhood are brought out and she uses examples from her own life and parents that she has talked with. You'll see them at the end of different chapters. Believe me, just when you start thinking you've got it all straight, one of your children will definitely let you know how wrong you are. The author has also put in discussion questions for a book club or just for yourself. This book is a great book for parents or maybe even parents-to-be. The book encourages, and with today's life we can all use that encouragement when raising our children. There's a lot of honesty and truth in the book. The author talks about wanting to be a helpful mother, a selfless mother, fearless mother and so many more. This book holds a lot of information for parents.

I would give this book 4 STARS

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the author for this unbiased review.

[Denise Morse · Rating 2 out of 5]

With the title and the opening paragraphs, I was expecting something a little different than I received. The title is very humorous and i think it was billed as being a very look on Parenting and Motherhood. Instead this book was passages of Scripture and how she applies them to her life.

It was not the book for me, although I am sure that there are others out there who would appreciate her view on life and the way religious text is important to how she raises her kids. It felt a little more preachy than was anticipated based on the synopsis.

There were some aspects that I found positive; she has celiac disease and so do I so I can relate to those passages although I dont think they were as well described or flushed out as I would prefer. And I also found her candor relating to depression post diagnosis and post child to be refreshing.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very rarely give a book a five star rating. I will not say this is the most skilled writer in existence, or that the concepts contained within are so novel and mind blowing that it should only be considered a five star. I will say that Mrs. Clemence has humbly, and with fantastic wit, written a book that has broadened my perspectives, given me a much greater knowledge of biblical connection to motherhood (I'm pretty new to the teachings in the Bible), and has offered me new tools in my adventures in parenting. I truly adored the chapter on patience, and believe it or not, her use of scripture (along with the explanations of it that allowed me to "get" the messages), seems to have struck such a strong chord with me that I have been much more patient and forgiving with my family. For that reason, this was a 5 star book for me. I look forward to reading your next book!

[IrenesBookReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept my attention! The author uses humor to help show Mothers that they are not alone in their daily struggles. I gave this book 5/5 stars. I liked how easy the book was to read. I found the stories to be entertaining as well as full of encouragement. I would recommend the book to any mother or grandmother. I would also say it would be a great gift to give a friend who is a mother. If you are struggling or know another mother going through a rough week or month, this book would be perfect to read!

I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

[Mrs Mommy Booknerd http://mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that there is not only honesty, but truth, humor and great information in THERE"S A GREEN PLASTIC MONKEY IN MY PURSE. I found myself feeling empowered and less alone on my motherhood journey. We, as mothers, want to be the best mother we can. Jessie Clemence talks about all that and more. She discussed things such as wanting to be a selfless mother, a happy mother, fearless mother a pretty mother and so much more. There is inspiration sprinkled within too. I am a spiritual woman, but not overly religious woman and I found the spiritual advise and information to be quite spot on. I highly recommend this for mother and rate it 5 stars!

[Amy]

This book was a little different than anticipated, with more serious content than outright humor. I did find the style easy to read, with the right blend of bible verse and scripture study, paired with real life anecdotes. I found the first half of the book easier to relate to my own life and parenting challenges, but feel that this book will appeal to a broad range of Christian mothers, trying to find their way.

I received this book as a digital ARC from NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review.

[Carlie Van Amerongen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I simply did not find this book very satisfying. It was well put together, with study questions at the end of each chapter and lots of biblical references that would make it a great pick for a Christian book club or bible study companion, but it's pretty weak on content.

I think it's strength is a good jumping off point for conversation with other Christian mothers, but as a stand-alone text, I'm not blown away.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It puts motherhood, in a magnifying glass perception. It left me with a clear insight into non-perfection and that really is Ok, even God says so, and really all that matters. I laughed so much at the points that I really could relate to. The study question sections were useful and eye opening. I recommend to any mother who needs extra encouragement. Because we really are doing a great job! :)

[Tammy Raue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book as a Goodreads First Read. Jessie Clemence has provided a wonderful resource for young Christian mothers and helps them know what to expect and what really is just a normal part of raising children though wit, wisdom and Scripture. With the study questions at the end of each chapter, it would be a great book for a study group.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I won this book on a Goodreads giveaway**

This was a very easy and quick read. It very informal in a way that makes you feel that you are
having a conversation with the author. I can relate to a lot of her stories as a mother.
Each chapter ends with a study guide and comments from other mothers.
The author recommends a lot of bible passages to help through motherhood.

[JoJo Sutis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute, but super informative book about motherhood and the ways it changes us!!! I LUV the practical, biblical advice in this book! Super fun read too!! Not your typical boring book on parenting! This book makes me wanna be a better mom;)

[Judith Bakker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author was enjoyable in blending Motherhood and Christian living with an active family. As a grandmother, it was a joy to relive past experiences of raising children through the eyes of a modern mother.I would recommend it for all mothers, grandmothers, aunts and Dads too.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very encouraging devotional, more than anything else. If that is not what you are looking for, look somewhere else.

The writing is very relatable, and helpful.

I enjoyed this book, very much!

[Lacricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have recently read this book and it is a must read for Christian mothers! read my complete review here at youngmomsclub.com-->
http://bit.ly/12QYFK3

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that Jessie Clemence combined humor with the seriousness of being a biblical mother. A good pick me up for mothers.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, quick read for a little encouragement and Godly advice as a mother. Ha questions at end of chapters so would be nice to read with a friend or small group and discuss.

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really encouraged by this book and found it thought-provoking and helpful!

[Melissa T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful book.