Book Details
Written by
Genre
More details
See more book reviews

Clarice Bean, Don't Look Now (by Lauren Child)

common sense media says

Third in fun, lighthearted series for reluctant readers.

parents & educators say
See all 3 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parent's need to know that there's not much to object to in this book. There is some schoolyard bullying, sibling rivalry, and family arguments, but most things are resolved effectively. Name-calling sticks to "stupid" and "maggot."

Positive messages: Some incidents with bullying, sibling rivalry, and family fights, but overall naughty behavior is dealt with quickly by both adults and children.
Violence: A school bully threatens people and a boy falls off a roof and breaks his arm.
Sex: Some innocent crushes.
Language: Mild name calling like "maggot" and "stupid."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Clarice Bean, Don't Look Now

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about how first impressions may not always be accurate. How did Clarice learn this lesson? Have you every gotten the wrong impression about someone? Has someone ever gotten the wrong impression about you? Families can also talk about ways to resolve conflict. Have you ever been bullied? How did you handle it? What would you do differently? Who could you talk to if you were having trouble in school? Also, do you ever write down your worries? Does it help?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Clarice Bean has a lot of worries. Some simple ones -- like largish spiders and if one could live off toast alone -- and some big ones like change, infinity, and the meaning of life. She writes all of her worries down and tries to prepare for them like her hero Ruby Redfort, using Ruby's "Survival Handbook" to help. When Clarice faces some big changes, including a new girl at school, trouble with her best friend, and arguments at home, Clarice wonders if her even hero Ruby could handle it.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

CLARICE BEAN, DON'T LOOK NOW is a delight. It's a great read for all kids, but specifically for reluctant readers. The book has things that all kids can identify with -- crazy family members, best friends, and worrying about things bigger than they are. It also helps them approach the subject of bullies and standing up to them. The book has fun and silly times that will make kids giggle and great characters that will make them want to read the other Clarice Bean books.

Parents will like how author Lauren Child intermingles great life lessons from Ruby Redfort's "Survival Handbook" with real-life situations Clarice faces.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Lauren Child
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication date: August 12, 2008
Number of pages: 256
Paperback price: $5.99
Read Aloud: 8
Read Alone: 8
This review was written by Terreece Clarke
 
 

Review It

 

Review Clarice Bean, Don't Look Now

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

librarygirls
parent of 5 and 8 year old
8
 
Hilarious, says 8 year old
My 8 year old just read this and LOVED it. I liked that it deals with the issue of bullying and how difficult it is to deal with a bully. She liked that it was funny and there were lots of :"cliff hangers"!
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (4)
Smileyfacegirl123
kid, 12 years old
10
 
Please read it
So good. I love this book so much and i read it even now when i am 13 because it is so funny
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (4) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (3)
chaterbox4
kid, 10 years old
12
 
i love this book my kid loves it to!
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (4) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you read Clarice Bean, Don't Look Now?

Won't miss it
On the fence
No way

Already read it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more books
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines