Billy's Booger
By Mary Eisenhart,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Funny, gross picture book packs positive messages.
Add rating
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this book.
Where to Read
Community Reviews
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
Many years ago, when kids run around outdoors all day instead of going on playdates and read the funny papers on Sunday, an imaginative fourth-grader named Billy always tries to make life less boring: inventing new games in P.E., drawing interesting creatures on his math homework, building strange creations. When the principal announces a contest for books written by the students, Billy goes all out, combining his many interests into an epic tale about the "little green buddy" who flies out of his nose and turns out to have many superpowers.
Is It Any Good?
Fans of William Joyce's work will be in heaven here, as the prolific, sweetly zany author-illustrator reveals how it all began back in the fourth grade. BILLY'S BOOGER has enough examination of mucus to delight any young gross-out enthusiast, but the backstory -- about how Billy's wild imagination, subtly encouraged and supported by kind adults, leads him to adventures and an awesome career -- quietly will inspire many young readers and open their eyes to intriguing possibilities. Joyce's appealing illustrations bring Billy, his family and friends, his era, and his wacky contraptions to life.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about imagination. Do you think being able to dream up all kinds of crazy stuff is the best thing ever or nothing but trouble?
Have you been to a library? Did a librarian help you find a book you liked, or did you already know what book you wanted when you went there?
Does your school have a contest for books written by the students? Do you wish it did? What kind of book would you write if you had a chance?
Book Details
- Author: William Joyce
- Illustrator: William Joyce
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Arts and Dance
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Atheneum
- Publication date: June 2, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 40
- Available on: Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Read
Our Editors Recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate