Common Sense Media Review
By Susan Faust
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
A zany story about the invention and uses of the couch.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
THE TRUTH ABOUT THE COUCH unfolds on a theater stage where a dapper fox gussies up the "truth" about couches -- their uses and pitfalls. Meanwhile, an officious badger-like character tries to reign him in, questioning "nonsense" stories about how couches grow from seeds (thus the couch potato) and how mounted-dinosaurs carry the "furniture police." The badger-like character also worries about safety when it comes to pillow sliding and such. A surprise ending comes full circle and brings the two very different characters together in common cause.
Is It Any Good?
This zany picture book has little to do with actual facts and more to do with imaginative conjecture and commentary. Liniers comical art, done in graphite and watercolor, rollicks along, propelled by the wacky story-line, presented mostly in snappy speech bubbles. The Truth About the Couch can simply be enjoyed as a romp, or it can be employed to open discussion of timely topics, for example, efforts to overprotect kids from the dangers of "pillow-sliding" on the couch or exposure to "nonsense" from a silly story. Although it can be read as a satiric take-down of the helicopter-style approach to child-rearing and of the excesses of so-called "cancel culture," this book is less successful as a catalyst for conversation and more successful as pure fun.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the difference between fact and fiction in The Truth About the Couch. Have you ever wondered if a story is true or not? How do you figure that out?
The book exudes a great love for the couch as a piece of furniture. Which piece of furniture in your house are you more curious about now? Have a parent help you research the history of that piece of furniture.
Fox tells wild stories, and the badger-like character worries about danger and nonsense. How are the two characters different? What do you think about their differences?
The comic-style art uses speech bubbles for most of the text. Do you like that style? How does it fit the story?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Liniers
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : April 23, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 7
- Number of pages : 48
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : December 3, 2025
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