If I Ran the Family [Hardcover]

Sue Kaiser Johnson (Author), Lee Johnson (Author), Sue Kaiser Johnson (Author), Roberta Collier-Morales (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1992 | Age Level: 3 and up

Debbie Dundee imagines living in a family run according to her way, in which everyone is free to express his feelings regardless of what they are.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3-- A gentle cautionary piece told in sing-song rhyme, advocating children's rights and the need for open communication within families. Debbie narrates, imagining herself as head of a multiethnic family that takes the needs of its younger members seriously and respects their feelings. In her ideal family, children are allowed to cry when they are hurt; turn down hugs if they choose; tell "secrets" that need to be shared with adults; feel fear, anxiety, and sadness; and refuse foods they dislike. Full-page illustrations in pencil and watercolors are of average quality and reflect a wide range of feelings. The book could best be used as a springboard for discussions; it's more bibliotherapy than story. --Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"A must for parents and children to read together." -- Mary Jo Czaplewski, Executive Director, National Council on Family Relations

"Charming, delightful and full of insight. I highly recommend this book." -- Dr. John Bradshaw, author of Homecoming: Reclaiming and Championing Your Inner Child

Debbie's experiences with "rule making" exposes many parenting issues. Family members get a new look at themselves. Beautiful illustrations. -- Connections, by the National Association for Gifted Children, Fall 1993

Parents and kids should read this together: it offers an intriguing perspective about family values and children's rights. -- The Children's Bookwatch, An Official Newsletter of The Midwest Book Review, December 1992

This book should appeal to both children and parents.. and lead to discussions on a more democratic way of life. -- Small Press - The Magazine of Independent Publishing, Feb 10, 1993

This books takes kids on a creative, emotionally freeing journey. Poetically written from a child's perspective in a positive fashion. -- Creative Child and Adult Quarterly, Dr. Michael F. Shaugnessy, Spring 1993

What you'd do if YOU were in charge of how your family acted? It's time to do something about it. -- The Washington Post, Aug 9, 1994 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Free Spirit Pub (July 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0915793415
• ISBN-13: 978-0915793419
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 8.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,810,096 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't listen to publisher's weekly, April 9, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: If I Ran the Family (Paperback)

I don't know what Publisher's Weekly is talking about, obviously they have very little sense of fun. Yes it is a tiny bit heavy handed - if you are an adult, not a child (and I assume children are the intended audience) - but is really a sweet, delightful book. I was read this book as a child, and have really been inspired by it. I know of a lot of other people who have reacted the same way. This is truly a gem, perhaps Publisher's Weekly doesn't recall what it was like to be a child, and can't fully understand the charm of this work. That's really too bad.