Free Kid to Good Home

Author: Hiroshi Ito and Cathy Hirano

Paperback

"This book from Japan makes me relive when my younger brother ran away and we all gave him a sandwich for his suitcase—this child has energy and tenacity." Julia Marshall, Publisher

A comic-style chapter book about sibling rivalry and a child’s impulse to run away from home—and come back again!

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Paperback

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Summary

"This book from Japan makes me relive when my younger brother ran away and we all gave him a sandwich for his suitcase—this child has energy and tenacity." Julia Marshall, Publisher

A comic-style chapter book about sibling rivalry and a child’s impulse to run away from home—and come back again!

Description

A comic-style chapter book about sibling rivalry and a child’s impulse to run away from home—and come back again!

“When my potato-faced baby brother arrived, I realized I needed a new family. No one seemed to mind when I packed my bag. I took a box and used my best handwriting to write ‘FREE KID’, then waited for some new parents to take me home.”

Waiting in a box like an abandoned pet and encountering the passersby changes the girl’s perspective. At the end of the day, when her parents pretend they need an older sister for their new baby, she is ready to leave her box and go happily back home.

This comical twist on sibling rivalry is translated from an enduring Japanese bestseller, now in its 31st edition and at last available in English.

This accessible story is perfect for children starting on independent reading and is illustrated in a graphic comic style that captures childlike subversive humour. Ideal for fans of Charles Schulz’s Peanuts comic strip.

A useful book to teach young children about welcoming a new baby sibling to the family, or exploring playful sibling relationships, through funny and lighthearted storytelling.

Critic Reviews

"an instant classic."

-- Children’s Publishers Favorite Reads of 2022, Publishers Weekly, US

"Ito uses words and pictures with equal skill to craft this hilariously willful little visionary."

-- The New York Times

"a light, engaging tale that will appeal to comic book fans and all young readers who have secretly (or not so secretly) resented the arrival of a potato-faced baby to the family."

-- The School Reading List

"young readers...will be rewarded by getting to know this can-do narrator."

-- The Horn Book

About the Author

Hiroshi Ito was born in Tokyo, Japan, and graduated from Waseda University with a degree in education. He began creating picture books while still a student and has since published many award-winning books.