What Age Group Is 'I Miss You, Stinky Face' Best For?

Question

Quinn · Answer

'Yuck!' - the new read aloud for the under 6's. This fun rhyming story explores the big issue of separation anxiety with imaginative adventures instead of ordinary goodbyes. Toddlers will love this simple, colorful story and the rhyming words and fun animal sounds, while older preschoolers will start to understand the metaphor behind lines like 'even if you were a super smelly skunk'.

Scalable for different ages, ‘I Miss You, Stinky Face’ is the perfect book to read to a group of children during circle time at daycare, but can also be very beneficial for children who are experiencing transitions and have been referred to child psychologists for therapeutic reading. As children’s imagination evolves so does the simple and bright illustrations, evolving to very imaginative and whimsical scenarios. There are a few more wonderful books that deal with similar issues of emotional intelligence that parents may want to read with their children, such as ‘The Invisible String’ and ‘Owl Babies’.

Isla · Answer

From a literary standpoint, I see several ways in which this book could be beneficial to children’s development. Obviously, it is written for 2-4 year olds when children have finally achieved object permanence and have begun to feel secure enough to test boundaries. My first grader still wants me to read this to her when she is feeling insecure. It’s also great for early readers who can read 200 words and still be moved to tears nightly by a children’s book that an adult is forced to read again and again.

It’s a book that subverts typical children’s book structures, often releasing more tension only to have the mother reassure her child of her constant presence. It’s a reverse narrative that, much like how children process comfort and reassurance, eventually comes to a soothing end. Families who enjoy this book may enjoy The Runaway Bunny by Rebecca A. Derbyshire for even greater depth and beautiful language. Meanwhile, families dealing with the now almost universal scenario of school-aged children being at school for the first time may find comfort in Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney.

Piper · Answer

We love this sweet book and I have read it to my kids many times. It is great for toddlers through early elementary age. Two to five year olds can relate to simple repetitive text about a mother’s love for her child. My three year old giggles at the Stinky Face nickname and then wants a hug before I tuck him in for bed. Colorful images make it fun for children to look at and the sweet message at the end is reassuring to children that even though they may be left with a parent or at school that their mom or loved one will come back to them. We have added this to our bookshelf as another favorite that we will read again and again just as we do with Guess How Much I Love You.

What Age Group Is 'I Miss You, Stinky Face' Best For?

3 Answers

Kaugnay na Mga Aklat

I Still Hate You

When Will My Parents Ever Praise Me?

Stutter Boy

Hate You, Till I Don't

I Don't Like You, Mr. Sterling

Dear Highschool Jerk, I'm Back For Revenge

Paksa