About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is feeling the pre-holiday stress of a visiting relative who seems to get everything right while making your child feel everything is wrong. It is a perfect choice for navigating the complicated mix of resentment and forced politeness that often bubbles up during family gatherings. Through the story of Alf and his bossy cousin Mert, the book explores the frustrating reality of 'the perfect guest' who is actually a bit of a nightmare behind closed doors. Written for the 6 to 9 age range, this early chapter book uses humor and animal characters to mirror real-world family dynamics. It validates a child's feelings of jealousy and annoyance without being overly heavy-handed. Parents will find it a useful tool for opening a dialogue about patience, setting boundaries, and the fact that even 'horrible' holiday moments can eventually turn into funny family stories.
