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Finn Throws a Fit

(2009, Fiction - Picture Book, Written by David Elliott, Illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 0; suggested age 3.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Artwork gives humorous spin to tale of a "terrible two."

Themes in this book include:   family relationships, growing up

Why We Rated This on for Ages 3 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Not an issue.

  • Messages:

    For parents, the message shows that kids' fits are like storms. You often don't see them coming or know what exactly set them off.  And they pass just as quickly. For kids, the message is that parents will love you no matter how you act.

  • Role models:

    The tone of this book is loving and supportive even though it is about a cranky toddler throwing a tantrum.  Parents try to find out what is wrong, endure the storm, and love the child when he is back to normal. 

  • Illustrations:

    Readers will love these illustrations. Drawn with dark grease pencil lines and charcoal, and painted in oils, the faces, and body positions, of the Mom, Dad, and Finn are so expressive that only a few words are needed to tell the story.  Even the dog adds to the mood. The toddler, with his yellow boots, comfy-looking blue onesie, and cuddly blanket is adorable even when upsetting the household. Throughout the pages small details add energy and humor. Just enough is shown, and just enough is said. 
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not really violent, though Finn's fit causes quite a storm, including thunder, lightning, flooding, an avalanche and an "earthquake that shakes the world."
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Finn Throws a Fit

Parents need to know that this book does a great job of showing just how fleeting, yet all-absorbing, a kid's fit can be. It includes a nice message for kids that parents will love you no matter how bad a fit can get.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how they know that a fit is about to start in the book. How does Finn change from the first page when he is sitting in his green chair, holding peaches, to the next page when he has his blanket pulled around him, and a dark cloud is hovering overhead? How about throughout the rest of the book? And then on the last page...
  • What do you think made him feel that way? Why was he so cranky? What made him happy again?
  • Have you ever felt like Finn did? Do you always know why you feel cranky? What makes you happy again?
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