My Mom Is Trying to Ruin My Life (by Kate Feiffer)

This is a cute book, but not much more than that. Most kids will empathize with some aspect of the narrator's plight but others might think she's overreacting. Still, even if kids don't quite get her over-the-top objection to getting mom-kisses in front of friends, they'll surely know what it's like to be denied their junk food of choice. Definitely good for a giggle.

The illustrations are simple but sweet, and grown-ups might catch themselves feeling somehow nostalgic since Mom is dressed more like Donna Reed than any moms wandering supermarket aisles these days.