Parents' Guide to

Billy's Booger

By Mary Eisenhart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Funny, gross picture book packs positive messages.

Book William Joyce Picture Book 2015
Billy's Booger Poster Image

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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?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (1 ):

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

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