CM Magazine: I'm so embarassed.

________________ CM . . . . Volume XII Number 8 . . . . December 9, 2005

cover
I’m So Embarrassed!

Robert Munsch. Illustrated by Michael Martchenko.
Markham, ON: Scholastic Canada, 2005.
32 pp., pbk. & cl., $6.99 (pbk.), $19.99 (cl.).
ISBN 0-439-95239-5(pbk.), ISBN 0-439-95240-9 (cl.).

Subject Headings:
Mothers and sons - Juvenile fiction.
Shame - Juvenile fiction.

Preschool-grade 3 / Ages 3-8.

Review by Catherine Hoyt.

*** /4

excerpt:

Taylor-Jae's mom came up and

said, "Taylor-Jae, do you want me

to buy the pink underpants or the

yellow underpants?"

"AHHHHHH!" yelled Taylor-Jae."

Underpants in a boy's face!"

Andrew and Taylor-Jae ran across

the mall and jumped into a trash can.

Andrew needs new shoes, and so his mom makes him go shopping with her. Andrew is not anxious to go to the mall with his mom since she always finds a way to embarrass him. Andrew is doubtful when his mom promises not to embarrass him this time. Of course, they don't even get inside the mall when Andrew suffers from one of his mom's many embarrassing acts. His mom finds many more ways to embarrass Andrew before he runs into one of his friends from school. Taylor-Jae is with her embarrassing mother as well. Andrew thought his mom was bad, but Taylor-Jae's mom actually holds up potential underpants for viewing - in front of a boy! Andrew and Taylor-Jae are both mortified, but they quickly turn the tables on these embarrassing parents and give them a taste of their own medicine.

Munsch has done it again with another theme that has universal appeal. Almost everyone can probably remember at least one parent-related embarrassing moment in his or her childhood. Though a lot of parents and librarians groan at the constant requests for Munsch books, there is no argument that they definitely appeal to kids. The over-the-top dilemmas and the child's ability to solve the problem or save the day find an audience in today's young readers.

Martchenko's pictures are easily recognized, and these watercolour illustrations are typical of his work. The colourful illustrations add to the story's appeal, and there are lots of silly details that the observant young reader will enjoy.

I'm So Embarrassed is recommended for Munsch fans everywhere. All new Munsch titles are an "automatic" purchase for public and school libraries, and this title should be no different. It's sure to be a hit with most kids who find their parents so embarrassing!

Recommended.

Catherine Hoyt has returned from maternity leave and is now the Acting Head of Public Services for New Brunswick Public Library Service.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364 Hosted by the University of Manitoba.

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