Select one of the keywords
Nobody Here but Me    by Judith Viorst & Christine Davenier Amazon.com order for
Nobody Here but Me
by Judith Viorst
Order:  USA  Can
Farrar Straus & Giroux, 2008 (2008)
Hardcover
* *   Reviewed by Hilary Daninhirsch

What does it take to get some attention around here? That's what the unnamed little boy in this picture book is wondering - everyone is too busy to spend any time with him.

Mom is on the phone, Dad is on the computer, and Big Sister is playing a game with her friend; is he all alone in the house, because that's what it sure feels like? He tries hiding, but no one is looking for him; he even thinks about doing something destructive, such as painting on the walls.

After several attempts to find someone to play with and several brush-offs, he climbs into bed. When his family is finally available, he pretends that he is asleep, and hence, unavailable. He secretly loves the attention, especially when they all start tickling him, though he won't give them the satisfaction of opening his eyes.

In these busy times, parents, perhaps guiltily, may recognize themselves in these pages, and astute children may realize that they, too, at times feel as if everyone is too busy for them. But this book's message reinforces that familial love is always under the surface, and that being too busy to play is only temporary.

The accompanying watercolor sketches can best be described as whimsical. I'd recommend this book, particularly to families who lead hectic lives.

Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons.

Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews