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Man vs. Toddler: The Trials and Triumphs of Toddlerdom
More inept, more clueless and more exhausted than ever, the man behind the blogging phenomenon Man vs Baby is back with the latest instalment in his (and his son Charlie's) journey through the chaos and comedy of parenting In the follow-up to the critically acclaimed Sunday Times bestseller Dummy comes Man vs Toddler - the story of what happens when your little one is transformed from an innocent bundle of joy into a creature that walks, talks... and craps in a plastic bucket in the middle of your living room. Man vs Toddler exposes the lie that, that when it comes to parenting 'it gets easier'. But it is just as foul-mouthed and heart-warming as Matt's first book, and will have you laughing and crying with recognition as he shares his observations and advice on everything from tantrums to the horrors of soft-play.
- GenresNonfictionHumorParenting
288 pages, Paperback
Published September 19, 2019
38 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 7, 2025
There is a lot of genuinely helpful advice and some amusing and insightful anecdotes. But it's all kind of ruined by the constant "centrist dad" political quips. Too often, reading this book felt like being stuck talking to the guy at the party who thinks he's clever and political but is just regurgitating every Radio 4 talking point you heard on the drive there.
Oh Trump, haha. Brexit, haha.
Couldn't finish it, which is a shame, because there is real value in there.
Oh Trump, haha. Brexit, haha.
Couldn't finish it, which is a shame, because there is real value in there.
January 31, 2020
This is a must-read for anyone in charge of a 2-year-old. Absolutely hilarious and incredibly accurate, but also rather sweet.
January 10, 2023
Currently living with a full blown three-nager so this was very relatable and had me nodding and laughing all the way through.
January 6, 2020
This book is the second by the author of the 'Man vs Baby' blog. I've never read the other book or the blog but it didn't stop me really enjoying this one. It's essentially a UK-based dad ranting about how crazy his toddler son is. This one hand me genuinely crying with laughter, which is very rare indeed for me.
A few things to bear in mind:
1) It contains a lot of swearing.
2) There are basically no tips for dealing with toddlers, it's just for fun.
3) It's probably funniest if you had young kids.
4) Some of the jokes are specific to UK TV programmes and popular culture, but other readers will get the idea.
It's really a very funny book and I read it really quickly as a result. The last 20% gets a bit more serious but it's well worth reading.
A few things to bear in mind:
1) It contains a lot of swearing.
2) There are basically no tips for dealing with toddlers, it's just for fun.
3) It's probably funniest if you had young kids.
4) Some of the jokes are specific to UK TV programmes and popular culture, but other readers will get the idea.
It's really a very funny book and I read it really quickly as a result. The last 20% gets a bit more serious but it's well worth reading.
September 19, 2021
I was given this book for my birthday from my then 1yr old (probably with some guidance from her mum), because i loved reading the first book, man v baby. But this book is just annoying to read. It really comes across to me as someone who is just trying too hard to get another book out after the shock success of his last one, which seems now to be more luck than skill. This book is just filled with countless referances to calling his kid a drunk little arsehole, or how he is just an utter hindrance to have in his life. Im sure he loves his son, but i could never think these things about my own child. Disappointing to me for many reasons.
November 13, 2024
Read as enjoyed his first book. Fortunately we did diverge from his path in this one, happily our kid isn't half so bad, so did feel like I was reading about the dark side. The 'in the night garden' view was interesting, we'd decided after much debate a few years ago that Iggle piggle was a castaway and the whole thing a fever dream from drinking salt water, as the whole thing starts and ends in Iggle's boat. The soft play bits struck true with us and made me actually cringe. I could almost feel my ears ringing again. However I still liked the first book more so sticking with 3 stars. Undecided if we are keeping our copy...
June 25, 2019
***3 1/2 stars***
Hilariously funny at times. Big fan of his stories, especially on FB. However, I can't relate to some of the situations he described. My children are no longer toddlers, maybe my memories are a litlte wonky but the temper tantrums I experienced were quite minimal. They do know when I mean business by the tone of my voice.
Sad to know he may write his last book featuring Charlie. I would love to know his journey with Man vs Tween or even Man vs Teenager. The latter would be a hoot I think.
Hilariously funny at times. Big fan of his stories, especially on FB. However, I can't relate to some of the situations he described. My children are no longer toddlers, maybe my memories are a litlte wonky but the temper tantrums I experienced were quite minimal. They do know when I mean business by the tone of my voice.
Sad to know he may write his last book featuring Charlie. I would love to know his journey with Man vs Tween or even Man vs Teenager. The latter would be a hoot I think.
November 9, 2020
The reality is that walking anywhere with a two year old is more like herding a mad chicken."
"Most toddlers in these photos have a cute wisp of icing sugar on the tip of their nose, Charlie is head-to-foot in cake mix and looks like he motor-boated a chocolate trifle."
Loved this book. I highly recommend for any parents with toddlers. I have not come across a book that I laughed out loud to so much as I've done with this. A fun read with such a heartfelt message at the end. I'm so glad I picked it up and have already passed it over to himself to get stuck into.
5⭐
"Most toddlers in these photos have a cute wisp of icing sugar on the tip of their nose, Charlie is head-to-foot in cake mix and looks like he motor-boated a chocolate trifle."
Loved this book. I highly recommend for any parents with toddlers. I have not come across a book that I laughed out loud to so much as I've done with this. A fun read with such a heartfelt message at the end. I'm so glad I picked it up and have already passed it over to himself to get stuck into.
5⭐
May 25, 2019
Laughter to help survive parenting
I love following Matt's Man vs Baby blog on Facebook and this book is fantastic! It's a mix of really funny anecdotes and heat-warming wisdom about parenting a toddler.
I'm so grateful for the reminder that I'm not alone in this parenting journey and that it's okay to say "f**k it" to the so-so-called parenting experts.
Thank you for a great read, Matt, and for the encouragement to just keep doing my best!
I love following Matt's Man vs Baby blog on Facebook and this book is fantastic! It's a mix of really funny anecdotes and heat-warming wisdom about parenting a toddler.
I'm so grateful for the reminder that I'm not alone in this parenting journey and that it's okay to say "f**k it" to the so-so-called parenting experts.
Thank you for a great read, Matt, and for the encouragement to just keep doing my best!
February 14, 2024
Spat my brew out funny
After someone shared the open letter to CBeebies on Facebook I downloaded it immediately. When my partner kept hearing me short with laughter I ended up reading most of it aloud for him to snort at too. Turns out he's too lazy to do his own reading. Absolutely hilarious, we related to it all. He's a stay at home dad muddling through 3 days a week too. A well deserved five stars.
After someone shared the open letter to CBeebies on Facebook I downloaded it immediately. When my partner kept hearing me short with laughter I ended up reading most of it aloud for him to snort at too. Turns out he's too lazy to do his own reading. Absolutely hilarious, we related to it all. He's a stay at home dad muddling through 3 days a week too. A well deserved five stars.
May 6, 2019
I have the audiobook and thoroughly enjoyed this, possibly even more than "Dummy". I think it made it even better having Matt Coyne reading it. I did get some very funny looks from strangers when it made me laugh out loud. I particularly enjoyed the chapters on soft play and restaurants. I would definitely recommend this to parents but tbh, the stories will make anyone laugh!
July 10, 2019
A great read for anyone who has kids, I had planned on sharing quotes that I could relate to on FB but then I would probably be quoting the whole book! Would probably scare the 💩 out of anyone whose kids haven’t hit toddler age though!
August 9, 2020
Author thinks he is a lot funnier than he actually is. Only semi-decent bits were when he made some good points towards end of book about male and female roles in parenting. Otherwise, I was bored frequently, despite being father to an almost 3 year old myself.
June 23, 2021
As a mum to a 2.5 yr old and a 6 month old, this book SPOKE TO ME. I quite literally howled with laughter at every single page. Beautifully touching, INCREDIBLY hilarious and the realest representation of parenthood ever, ever, ever.
March 25, 2023
Lots of laughs. So relatable. Love how Matt sees a toddlers life. Definitely trying to not put a time on my toddlers timetable as much as possible since reading this. Really enjoyed, makes you feel like you aren’t alone in your journey with a toddler. Loved Matts perspective on toddler TV!!
April 14, 2023
It is a hilarious, enjoyable read about parenting a toddler. I enjoyed its layout and content. It did make me laugh out loud in many places even if I did find the author's overzealous use of swearing to be a little much.
Great read, full of heart, laughs, and relatable moments
Great read, full of heart, laughs, and relatable moments
April 26, 2020
Even better than his first and that was hard to beat. Absolutely insane, funny, brutally honest and a must-read. Also, I got a signed copy - WHOOP!
May 22, 2020
No truer tale of live with a toddler!
August 21, 2020
Laugh out loud funny
January 6, 2021
Laugh out loud funny at times, this book really spoke to me as a parent of 1.5 toddlers! The chapter on kids TV is spot on!
February 1, 2021
Hugely enjoyable follow up - very funny!
February 20, 2021
Very entertaining and reassuring Booknfor any parents of young children in the uk.
You will laugh.
You will laugh.
May 21, 2021
Hilariously funny and accurate portrayal of parenting a toddler
June 20, 2022
A nice insight and had me actually crying in laughter in places!
October 4, 2024
Absolutely hilarious and very touching at times too.
June 7, 2019
Hilarious. Laughing myself silly. I have a 2 year old and much rings true.
I would say the last couple of chapters aren't as much fun.
The beginning of the book is great and it is reassuring to know that you are not the only one...
I would say the last couple of chapters aren't as much fun.
The beginning of the book is great and it is reassuring to know that you are not the only one...
July 4, 2020
Man vs. Toddler: The Trials and Triumphs of Toddlerdom is the follow-up to the smash hit (and absolutely wonderful) Dummy: Parenting for the Inept and the Clueless. If you've ever dipped into the author's Man vs Baby blog you will know what to expect here; an equal mix of exasperated complaints and heartwarming stories that will make you laugh and cry.
Again, the author doesn't pretend to have all the answers, or any answers really, but he does have a wonderful way of looking at the world that is a breath of fresh air. If you're British it's worth reading just for the takedown of Bing! alone, but if you're not a Brit there is still plenty to enjoy.
Come for the story about how Matt got trapped in a soft play, but stay for the takedowns of know-it-all parents and the lovely anecdotes about Charlie and how much having a small human changes your life for the better.
Again, the author doesn't pretend to have all the answers, or any answers really, but he does have a wonderful way of looking at the world that is a breath of fresh air. If you're British it's worth reading just for the takedown of Bing! alone, but if you're not a Brit there is still plenty to enjoy.
Come for the story about how Matt got trapped in a soft play, but stay for the takedowns of know-it-all parents and the lovely anecdotes about Charlie and how much having a small human changes your life for the better.
May 23, 2019
A totally fabulous, hilarious and touching look at bringing up a toddler. All parents ( and non-parents) should read it.
November 8, 2020
This is a glorious book of belly laughs and sage wisdom. Being on the precipice of having a toddler I would recommend it to anyone in the same situation.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews