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L'éponge serviable
A hardworking sponge makes its debut in this delightful and relatable picture book perfect for fans of Lou by Breanna Carzoo and The Creature of Habit by Jennifer E. Smith!
The little sponge has a BIG job. She washes and mops and scrubs away all the messes in the kitchen.
But what happens when the mess gets TOO BIG and she just CAN’T clean anymore?
Find out how far friendship, self-care, and a BIIIIIIIG squeeze can go in one sponge’s charming battle against total burnout.
The little sponge has a BIG job. She washes and mops and scrubs away all the messes in the kitchen.
But what happens when the mess gets TOO BIG and she just CAN’T clean anymore?
Find out how far friendship, self-care, and a BIIIIIIIG squeeze can go in one sponge’s charming battle against total burnout.
32 pages, Paperback
Published April 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
August 9, 2024
Probably shouldn't be relating so hard to a story about a sponge, but it hit deep.
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January 14, 2025A sponge cleans and cleans and cleans the kitchen until she becomes too dirty to clean any more. She has a crisis because she is unable to fulfill her purpose -- to help. Her friends -- The Rubber Glove Twins, Soap, Scrub Brush, Faucet, and Dish Towel all pitch in to clean the Little Sponge and help her relax.
You know. To me this is very clearly a story about heterosexual domestic rage, written by someone who has undergone extensive (couples'?) therapy. This is a story about mental load and compassion fatigue, pouring from an empty cup,etc. I feel certain there are several episodes of the Glennon Doyle podcast that cover the same emotional terrain of this book. And yet... the vocabulary, the volume of language, and the illustration style all suggest to me (i've been a children's librarian for two weeks, ok, ok, i don't know much of anything yet) that this book is intended for ages 4-7. So, I guess my question is, is this developmentally appropriate? Are 4-7 year olds, who are still realizing themselves as individuals, able to relate to a dirty sponge who undergoes a psychological crisis because she can no longer scrub? It's my understanding that preschool and school age children are very, very egocentric are not really able to understand this degree of relational rage and resentment. It is true that only ONE function of children's literature is to reflect the reader's experience back to them. Another function is to expand their worldview and expose them to new concepts. I just wonder if this book, which I see as part of a much larger trend in picture books, which is to pre-therapize the rising generation of readers, is not in a sense, introducing the idea its attempting to refute. The world of the Little Sponge is Veeeeerrrry clearly gendered in a way that's legible to schoolage children-- Sponge has eyelash extensions and pink Converse Chuck Taylors (girl, people!!!! it's a girl!!!) The other appliances and cleaning utensils do not have visible eyelashes, and when they do wear footwear it's pretty neutral (Milk wears brown tevas with yellow and green socks, and the Rubber Glove Twins wear orange rubber boots). None of the other characters (besides Blender, also a she) are referred to by a gendered pronoun. I think it's safe to assume, given the conventions that rule children's media, that all the other characters in the kitchen will be interpreted as male by most readers. I guess my point is just that this story is still showing and early elementary aged reader a story where the lone girl character is the one dour, bound up, anxious, control freak among a cast of freewheeling boy countertop kitchen appliances. Does a 5 year old have the critical capacity to differentiate THIS story where the lone girl cleans up after everyone else with a smile on her face from, say, i dunno a Paw Patrol episode?
Then again this book could be a useful tool for explaining why mommy is always screaming at daddy in the kitchen. I don't know. The library is closing in 10 minutes and I haven't done anything to help close so I'll probably return to this tomorrow morning. also to think some thought about the illustration altho... idk first impression kinda milquetoast digital but idk. I do like the endpapers design!
You know. To me this is very clearly a story about heterosexual domestic rage, written by someone who has undergone extensive (couples'?) therapy. This is a story about mental load and compassion fatigue, pouring from an empty cup,etc. I feel certain there are several episodes of the Glennon Doyle podcast that cover the same emotional terrain of this book. And yet... the vocabulary, the volume of language, and the illustration style all suggest to me (i've been a children's librarian for two weeks, ok, ok, i don't know much of anything yet) that this book is intended for ages 4-7. So, I guess my question is, is this developmentally appropriate? Are 4-7 year olds, who are still realizing themselves as individuals, able to relate to a dirty sponge who undergoes a psychological crisis because she can no longer scrub? It's my understanding that preschool and school age children are very, very egocentric are not really able to understand this degree of relational rage and resentment. It is true that only ONE function of children's literature is to reflect the reader's experience back to them. Another function is to expand their worldview and expose them to new concepts. I just wonder if this book, which I see as part of a much larger trend in picture books, which is to pre-therapize the rising generation of readers, is not in a sense, introducing the idea its attempting to refute. The world of the Little Sponge is Veeeeerrrry clearly gendered in a way that's legible to schoolage children-- Sponge has eyelash extensions and pink Converse Chuck Taylors (girl, people!!!! it's a girl!!!) The other appliances and cleaning utensils do not have visible eyelashes, and when they do wear footwear it's pretty neutral (Milk wears brown tevas with yellow and green socks, and the Rubber Glove Twins wear orange rubber boots). None of the other characters (besides Blender, also a she) are referred to by a gendered pronoun. I think it's safe to assume, given the conventions that rule children's media, that all the other characters in the kitchen will be interpreted as male by most readers. I guess my point is just that this story is still showing and early elementary aged reader a story where the lone girl character is the one dour, bound up, anxious, control freak among a cast of freewheeling boy countertop kitchen appliances. Does a 5 year old have the critical capacity to differentiate THIS story where the lone girl cleans up after everyone else with a smile on her face from, say, i dunno a Paw Patrol episode?
Then again this book could be a useful tool for explaining why mommy is always screaming at daddy in the kitchen. I don't know. The library is closing in 10 minutes and I haven't done anything to help close so I'll probably return to this tomorrow morning. also to think some thought about the illustration altho... idk first impression kinda milquetoast digital but idk. I do like the endpapers design!
July 16, 2024
This book was so cute! I loved the illustrations and the story. Good flow and explanation of how to clean and how you need to clean the sponge too.
July 10, 2024
So cute :)
July 22, 2025
A short book with a big message.
Children can easily get overwhelmed. This book teaches kids that it's okay to get help. It's nice to see self-care being taught in children's books. I have to admit, I picked this one up because the sponge reminded me of SpongeBob. The illustrations are cute. I would recommend it.
Note: Using new rating system starting 2025.
July 11, 2024
A fun book with an important message that doesn't feel like it's teaching a lesson. The illustrations are adorable and the writing is engaging and full of wonderful sound devices. A must-read for all ages!
July 20, 2024
Adorable! Who would have thought that a book about a sponge would be the cutest thing ever?! The leg stretches made me laugh.
November 24, 2025
I shouldn’t relate so heavily to a sponge but I did as a mum to two kids. If you keep mopping up but don’t release, you will feel burnt out. It’s ok to ask for help sometimes. Beautiful illustrations with a beautiful message for young and old.
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July 17, 2024Oh my gosh, this little sponge is just the cutest!! I love all of the illustrations in this book!
August 14, 2024
What a cute story to remind us to take care of ourselves.
October 23, 2024
Funny story about the life of a kitchen sponge- not until the last page or so do you realize it's a lesson about taking a rest when you need to, and allowing others to help you.
January 22, 2025
The cover drew me in because it was so cute. And the story and illustrations are adorable! I liked the message, and it's a fun little tale. Definitely one I'd be happy to own.
January 1, 2026
I got this for my niece and nephew and it is their favorite book. The lesson is so important to teach kids: it’s okay and at times necessary to ask for help.
June 24, 2025
A gorgeous, clever book with an excellent message about the power of friendship and importance of asking for help. Highly recommended.
December 10, 2024
The message at the end of the book was much more relatable than I had expected from a book about a sponge.
September 1, 2025
A little sponge knows, and loves, her purpose in life. She scrubs and cleans and polishes all the messes others leave behind. But eventually she cleans and polishes so much, she becomes grubby, exhausted, and rung out. Poor little sponge! Molly Harris’ pun-filled story is a great way to show young readers that, while it’s great to help others, it’s also important to ask for help when you need it and to take care of yourself. Alison Hawkins’ cheerful, expressive illustrations are adorable (check out the surprise under the dust jacket!). I loved this sweet and clever story!
September 12, 2024
If I ever had a bit of a gripe about the Food Group series (which I do like, overall), it was how formulaic and easy the books are. Given that, it's unsurprising to me that so many authors have emulated that formula in recent years: Phuc Tran and Oswald collaborated on "Crank", Linda Liu has "The Hidden Gem" and "The Sour Apple", and now Molly Harris and Alison Hawkins have brought us "The Big Squeeze".
While this squeaky clean story is not as punny as Jory John's "Good Egg", I found "The Big Squeeze" to be more satisfying from a narrative point of view. I've always found the lessons in the food group series to be belabored at best, the story felt more like a pretext for food puns (which, to be fair, I enjoy). "The Big Squeeze" does a much better job conveying its message and telling an emotionally satisfying story about self care.
While I wouldn't call this a masterpiece, it's more than a shameless rip off--I would read future installments about other household cleaning items by Harris and Hawkins!
While this squeaky clean story is not as punny as Jory John's "Good Egg", I found "The Big Squeeze" to be more satisfying from a narrative point of view. I've always found the lessons in the food group series to be belabored at best, the story felt more like a pretext for food puns (which, to be fair, I enjoy). "The Big Squeeze" does a much better job conveying its message and telling an emotionally satisfying story about self care.
While I wouldn't call this a masterpiece, it's more than a shameless rip off--I would read future installments about other household cleaning items by Harris and Hawkins!
July 9, 2024
A little yellow sponge loves her job, cleaning up after everyone in the kitchen. But then her duties begin to overwhelm. She can't keep up. She's filling up with sludge and starting to reek. What's a poor little sponge to do? The answer lies in asking for help. Taking a break. And remembering that she can't do everything all of the time. A perfect metaphor for any kid who feels overwhelmed by whatever task(s), be it homework or too many extracurricular activities. When they start to feel that way, they can ask for help and take a breather. The illustrations are fantastic! My favorite page shows a talking garbage disposal and a gunked up sponge who's starting to lose her pep. Maybe I relate a little too closely with the sponge in this book, LOL. In any case, kids will love the story and illustrations, and don't be surprised if they start telling you they need a spa day when the going gets tough.
July 11, 2024
The Big Squeeze is such a cute and fun book which highlights the important message of self love, taking time to care for ourselves, and asking for help when needed. The story follows a little yellow sponge who loves cleaning up the mess that her friends make in the kitchen. Feeling useful makes her happy, until it gets to be too much for her to handle alone. That's when she finally asks for help, finds time to relax and to recharge before going back to her job, finding that others are willing to be there to lend a hand and step up to the task too.
The text by Molly Harris is funny and filled with alliteration and rhymes, while the colorful illustrations by Alison Hawkins bring the story to life in a cute and adorable way.
I recommend this book for homes, libraries, and librarians.
The text by Molly Harris is funny and filled with alliteration and rhymes, while the colorful illustrations by Alison Hawkins bring the story to life in a cute and adorable way.
I recommend this book for homes, libraries, and librarians.
October 4, 2024
Dish Sponge is clean and ready for action! Spilled milk? She’s got it! Crumbs from the toaster? She’s there! But when the messes make a mess of her it leaves her feeling, “ heavy, weighed down, and totally useless.” Can she learn to let others help her and take some time for herself?
Parents will feel very seen by this title and its message of the importance of self care and letting the village you live in know when you need help. Vibrant illustrations and familiar kitchen objects depicted as cartoonish characters will be sure to charm young readers.
Highly recommended for any library serving children pre-K through 3rd grade.
M.S.
Children's Librarian
Parents will feel very seen by this title and its message of the importance of self care and letting the village you live in know when you need help. Vibrant illustrations and familiar kitchen objects depicted as cartoonish characters will be sure to charm young readers.
Highly recommended for any library serving children pre-K through 3rd grade.
M.S.
Children's Librarian
February 27, 2025
What a cute little book. I don’t think I seen dishwashing utensils personified before. This worked really well. I just love the sponge. She is so sweet.
We meet a sponge sparkling clean who loves to help others out. After working so hard, she gets full and dirty and smelly and she feels overwhelmed. it’s then a pair of plastic gloves lend a hand and help her out with a big squeeze. She gets cleaned up and feels all better.
This book is like a needed hug. I love it.
The artwork is digital. The artwork is so cute. Who knew you could make washing dishes fun. The sponge is so cute as well.
I think anyone into adorable will love this story.
We meet a sponge sparkling clean who loves to help others out. After working so hard, she gets full and dirty and smelly and she feels overwhelmed. it’s then a pair of plastic gloves lend a hand and help her out with a big squeeze. She gets cleaned up and feels all better.
This book is like a needed hug. I love it.
The artwork is digital. The artwork is so cute. Who knew you could make washing dishes fun. The sponge is so cute as well.
I think anyone into adorable will love this story.
July 7, 2024
The Big Squeeze is about a hardworking sponge who tidies up everyone's messes. When the cartoon of milk spills, the sponge cleans it up. When the knife cuts the veggies, the sponge is there to clean up the scraps. Toaster stuck on crumbs? Sponge to the rescue! BUT constantly giving and giving with little self care leaves the sponge feeling burnt out. Check out this great read for all ages on how the sponge can teach us a thing or two!
July 9, 2024
THE BIG SQUEEZE is a story about an endearing sponge who takes on (in!) too much – sharing a relatable feeling of stress and overwhelm. There are wonderful themes about friendship, as other kitchen helpers come to its rescue, as well as the value of rest and breaks when life gets challenging. It also shows the importance of asking for help. The colorful illustrations add humor and interest for young readers. This engaging picture book is a wonderful addition to children’s bookshelves!
July 10, 2024
Great, relatable story for kids (and adults) about knowing when to take a break or ask for help. Told through anthropomorphized characters (a sponge, kitchen appliances) with a quick pace, fun rhymes, and illustrations that readers will want to look at over and over again. (Hint: look for a calendar.) It's never a good feeling to be overwhelmed. The little yellow sponge picks up tips about how to do a stupendous job while taking time for rest.
July 10, 2024
THE BIG SQUEEZE features a kitchen sponge who’s always cleaning up everyone else’s messes until finally the sponge reaches a breaking point and can do no more. With the help of the Rubber Glove Twins, Sponge gets a full spa refresh and realizes that it’s okay to take a break and to ask for help when needed. A relatable and important message for readers of all ages delivered with snappy rhymes and fun illustrations.
December 26, 2024
100% awesome picture book starring a bright yellow sponge who works so hard...until she gets burned out. Luckily, her friends Scrub Brush, Rubber Glove Twins, Dish Towel, Faucet, and Soap help out.
I appreciate this simple story that teaches littles it's OK (and healthy!) to take breaks, to ask for help, and to give yourself some self compassion (hug, etc).
Themes: mental health (burn out), sponges, cleaning up
Ages: toddler-1st grade
Pub year: 2024
I appreciate this simple story that teaches littles it's OK (and healthy!) to take breaks, to ask for help, and to give yourself some self compassion (hug, etc).
Themes: mental health (burn out), sponges, cleaning up
Ages: toddler-1st grade
Pub year: 2024
September 24, 2025
This little sponge reminds all of us to take time for self care. I appreciate the message for adults and for kids on the different levels. Sponge gives her all to care for others - every spill, every crumb, every swipe leaves her covered in gunk and looking terrible. When she lets others step up and care for her, she discovers that asking for help and taking time to relax help her remain balanced.
November 15, 2025
The lesson in this book is not subtle, and it's very important! Combine that with the adorable illustrations, and you have a winner. Read on only if you want me to spoil the lesson for you...
Everyone needs a break sometimes. It's OK to ask for help. It's OK to let others know when you are struggling. You'll be able to do more for others when you also take care of yourself.
And I love that this lesson comes from a kitchen sponge:)
Everyone needs a break sometimes. It's OK to ask for help. It's OK to let others know when you are struggling. You'll be able to do more for others when you also take care of yourself.
And I love that this lesson comes from a kitchen sponge:)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2024
Kids would LOVE the illustrations in this book. I know my little sister would have if she read it when she still read picture books, which was only a few years ago. Also, the writing flows well. I cannot rate it more than three stars because it is not very intellectual, and I believe a proper children's book should have that quality.
August 25, 2025
Absolutely loved this book! My 6 and 7 year old girls ooh-ed and ahh-ed at the illustrations through the whole thing. Their worry for miss sponge grew as the story went along, and they were so pleased to find a happy ending (and mom loved the message about self care, asking for help, and taking breaks! so well done!). We will be running to the book store for our own copy of this one!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews