Too Nice: A touching exploration of anxiety and family upheaval

by Sally Nicholls

Abby struggles with feelings of anxiety about school during a period of family upheaval in this sensitive and touching story from Sally Nicholls.

Abby is used to it being just her and her dad at home, but now her dad’s new girlfriend Jen is moving in and everything is changing. It’s not like Jen is an evil stepmother, though. Instead, Abby’s problem is that Jen is just too nice! She constantly compliments Isla on everything from her appearance to her schoolwork, and Abby finds it fake and claustrophobic. But how can she explain to her dad how she feels when Jen hasn’t really done anything wrong?

80 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2024

About the author

Sally Nicholls is a prize-winning British children's author. She was born and grew up in Stockton-on-Tees. On finishing school, Nicholls chose to travel around the world. Her first novel was Ways to Live Forever.

Reviews

[Cherlynn | cherreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this wholesome novella by one of my favourite authors. Despite its length, the book effectively navigates family dynamics and complex emotions while still being engaging and breezy. I could empathise with both Jen and Abby even though I found the latter to be a brat at times. A quick but wonderful read overall!

[Tracy Lander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice Barrington Stoke book aimed at the difficult in-between age but nothing that would mean it can't go into primary school. Thanks to Poppy for the early copy, the book debuts on 9th May 2024.

Abby's mum died when she was little and so it's always been her and Dad. But now Dad has a girlfriend, a serious one...a moving in one. But she is so over the top. Abby is struggling with being told how proud they are, how lovely she looks and with her space being invaded, she finds it all very fake. But is it as simple as Abby thinks. After all there are good bits about having Jen in the house. But...then Jen says they aren't going on holiday with Gran and Grandpa, mums parents, and they are upset and Abby wants to protect them.

Finally Dad talks to Abby, she explains how she feels and Dad tells Abby things about Jen that Abby didn't know. Perhaps Abby has it all wrong. Can she put it right?

This is really well written. I like that Abby doesn't feel able to say what she feels (I'm the opposite, very foot in the mouth type and that's not always a good thing) but we need to talk to someone because if we don't we end up moody and resentful. I've not read any Sally Nicholls before and this makes me want to find out more. The press release says she is known for her "sensitive portrayal of difficult subjects for a younger age group". I'd concur, I'm going to recommend this to all those at school who love Cath Howe's books.

[Jasmine - The Librarian's Bookcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

A family themed story about a young girl who has to learn to understand her new stepmother. I think this would be a good book for an empathy collection as it does look at the emotions of the girl and how she feels towards her dad's new girlfriend. I do like how she makes her own realisations and grows. It is also dyslexia friendly (at least the edition I read) and had a very easy to follow story, so it would be good for reluctant readers who find imagining things difficult.

[Mya · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.7

[M SReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming quick short read