(NOTE: I did not receive a free copy of this book. I paid for it with my hard earned retirement money. I’m reviewing this book because I think it is a marvelous one!)
Have you ever gone on long car trips when one of your kids got tired of being in the car and whined, “Are we there yet?”
I have.
And, I think that this is a universal experience for parents.
And kids.
Poor kids!
Poor parents!
Kids are tired of sitting strapped in by a seat belt in the car. They get bored. They get cranky. They want to be free! To run! To play!
And parents want them to.
But they all have to stay in the car. Driving to their destination.
No wonder kids get bored. And antsy.
Well, illustrator Dan Santat created the most fabulous children’s book based on those feelings.
The book Are We There Yet captures those feelings in a way that tickles the reader’s funny bone — whether the reader is a child or a parent.
Here’s the plot. It’s grandma’s birthday. The family sets off in the car to her house. All is well. For a while.
Then, the son gets bored. It seems like they have been driving for an eternity. He asks that fearful question, “Are we there yet?”
Minutes feel like hours. Hours like days.
Days turn into months that turn into F.O.R.E.V.E.R!
When it feels like they’ve been traveling for at least a million years . . .
Don’t you love the look on their faces?
They’ve traveled back through time. Through the era of cowboys and Indians, past knights in shining armor, beyond when the pyramids were built, all the way back to the dinosaur age!
Then comes this sage advice: enjoy the moment you are in. Because that might help the time pass quickly.
Suddenly, the family is in the future. It’s October 24, 2059. (This date, by the way, is when Santat’s son will turn 50.)
Oh no! They’ve missed Grandma’s birthday!
Not to worry. They really do make it to Grandma’s house in time for her party. Phew!
Everything turns out fine . . . until the boy wants to go home because he’s tired of all of the relatives pinching his cheek and patting him on the head!
I love the illustrations in this book. I love it’s message!
And, I love the fact that I could read this over and over and over to my grandkids and never tire of the book! That says a lot.
If you’re looking for a great picture book to read to your grandkids, I highly recommend this one. You can get it on Amazon for $16.00.
2 thoughts on “Book Review: Are We There Yet?”
That book is too cute! I always hated long car trips as a kid. My mom probably could have used this book for me. LOL! Thanks so much for sharing with us at the Whimsical Wednesdays Link Party!
My grandkids love it — not only because the illustrations are wonderful but because they identify with the poor kid who is bored during a long road trip. Have a great week!