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The Good Egg
Common Sense says
- Jory John
- Picture Book
- 2019
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that The Good Egg is by Jory Jon and illustrator Pete Oswald, the duo behind the bestselling picture book The Bad Seed. It's a lighthearted, funny tale packed with positive messages about self-care and acceptance in a way that preschoolers will understand and even older kids will enjoy. The story's narrated by The Good Egg, whose kind and generous acts endlessly conflict with the "bad" eggs he shares his carton with. The other 11 eggs are destructive and naughty, fighting among themselves, breaking things, picking on The Good Egg (one page shows a "kick me" sign taped to his back), and there are seemingly no consequences to their bad behavior -- although they (mostly) straighten up by the end. The Good Egg gets so stressed out by his carton-mates that he ends up literally "cracking up," but his adventure of self-discovery will give parents a great opportunity to talk to young kids about the importance of prioritizing their own emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
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What's the story?
THE GOOD EGG is a verrrrrry good egg. The other 11 eggs in his carton? Not so much. The Good Egg is the only one keeping his friends in line when they misbehave. One day, he's finally had enough and sets out on an adventure of self-discovery. He roams the land, grows a beard, finds ritual and relaxation, and learns enough about himself -- and others -- to finally find happiness and acceptance.
Is it any good?
This witty adventure is full of great messages about the importance of balance, self-care, and acceptance of self and others. The Good Egg is a delightful romp for preschoolers and even older kids, who will love Pete Oswald's rich illustrations and Jory John's wise story. The stress The Good Egg experiences because of others' behavior and things he has no control over -- and the methods he learns to use to heal and prioritize his own well-being (courage, contemplation, leisure, meditation) -- are wrapped in color and whimsy, making it appealing and relatable for young kids. Every page is fun and playful, and the overall message is a valuable one for readers of any age.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about how the main character feels like an outsider in The Good Egg. Have you ever felt like the different one in a group? How did you handle that?
Why does The Good Egg get so stressed out when the other eggs misbehave? Do you get bothered by the activity and energy of those around you? What helps you keep calm and not get upset?
Talk about The Good Egg's adventure after he leaves the carton. What happens during his journey that helps him heal?
Book details
- Author: Jory John
- Illustrator: Pete Oswald
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Adventures, Friendship, Misfits and Underdogs
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
- Publication date: February 12, 2019
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 40
- Available on: Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
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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.