Review by Booklist Review
When Mom leaves Luvvie and big sister Kami alone for the evening, Luvvie wants to help out by making jollof rice for dinner, but she only succeeds in making a royal mess. When she tries to clean up, the suds go everywhere, and the mess gets even bigger. Mom isn't mad, but she does have a conversation with the girls about breaking rules that were put in place for their safety. The plot is straightforward and focuses much less on action than on providing overt techniques for behavioral and emotional development, such as examples of healthy communication between parents and children, the importance of apology, working together, and breathing techniques for calming down. Jones' experience as the New York Times best-selling author of the adult nonfiction book Professional Troublemaker (2021) is an impressive credential, and while the storytelling is a bit dry for a children's book, and the watercolor-and-digital illustrations are somewhat busy at times, it's nonetheless lovely to see a Nigerian American child in the lead of a story celebrating a West African dish.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Speaker, bestselling author, and self-proclaimed troublemaker Ajayi Jones' debut picture book follows a child learning what it means to make good trouble. When Luvvie and her older sister, Kami, who are of Nigerian descent, are left home alone, Luvvie decides to have a snack before dinner. Disappointed to find sandwiches in the fridge, Luvvie tries to convince Kami to help her make jollof rice to surprise their mother. Kami declines. Undeterred, Luvvie proceeds to make a mess prepping ingredients that seem to land everywhere except the pot. Ready to begin cooking, Luvvie calls Kami, who is stunned by the huge mess in the kitchen. Though Kami offers to clean up after she finishes her own project, Luvvie once again defies her older sister, creating--if possible--an even bigger mess. When Mom returns, she's shocked. Is Luvvie in "BIG TROUBLE"? Not quite--Mom understands that Luvvie just wanted to help, and she tells the girl that later they'll brainstorm ways to make good trouble (which, per the backmatter, "makes the world a better place"). This adorable tale will resonate with children who recognize feelings of impatience, being too small, and wanting to be helpful. The playful and brightly colored illustrations match the book's cheerful mood. Ideal for storytime, this one will also help kids develop social-emotional skills. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A lighthearted tale perfect for setting little ones on the path to good trouble. (note about jollof rice) (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
