The Hueys in It Wasn't Me by Oliver Jeffers

from goodreads

3.5 stars

I would have given this book somewhere between a 2 and 2.5 stars. But my kids for some strange reason loved this book thus, the higher rating.

This is part of a series of Hueys books.

Synopsis

When the Hueys get into a big argument it is up to Gillespie to make the peace.

My Thoughts

So when I first picked up this book I knew it was going to be a bit different. The artwork is simple, yet oddly eye catching. And what parent hasn't heard the words "it wasn't me" like a billion times. So, I thought I could relate to it on some level.

After reading it through once I closed the book and said, "what was that?" I didn't know how to feel about it or know what the point was. I felt like it sort of left me hanging without any real closure. I guess I felt unsettled like I needed something a bit more.

Jeffers did a great job showing how arguments start as simple little things and then, can quickly escalate into madness. He also showed how the art of distraction can work. But, the characters go from being in the hugest argument of their life to all of the sudden, calming right down and looking at a dead fly. What?!? I get that the fly in a way started the whole argument thing, but what?!?

My children loved it. I read it through once, and initially they weren't sure what to think either. But then while I was getting dinner ready I peeked into the living room and their was my 4 year old sitting on the couch with the book reading herself the story. It was a super special moment. I could her her quietly pretending the argument out and then saying "it wasn't me". She then helped make the peace. Obviously this book spoke to her.

I am not sure if I will look up his other Hueys books. I might look up some of his other books and see what they are like.

This may not be an adults favourite but, my kids did like it. So battle through the many, many readings of it and eventually they will be reading it themselves.