“My teacher handed me this packet, telling me good job, but if I had done good job then I shouldn’t get extra homework. See that’s just wrong!”
This was just the latest amusing observation that my younger daughter shared with me that found me trying to keep a straight face in response to getting an extra homework for enrichment, which apparently she was bright enough to qualify for this.
I mean let’s face it, she is right it is a good thing to be bright, but truth be told so not a fan of homework or extra homework for that matter either. Yet, I also do understand the concept behind the extra homework in trying to challenge her, but still in her young eyes the extra work seemed more like a punishment than a reward. Therefore, she told me just that in her innocent, but telling statement. (On a side note, same kid accidentally took this packet and didn’t even have to do it!).
Still never has this kid minced words–ever!
In response to those types of moments, I have found myself jotting down in my note pad on my iPhone the latest and greatest humorous commentaries, especially from my younger daughter, who is family comedian, on all sorts of daily occurrences here.
Somedays I think I could write a book around the funny things that both my girls come out with all on their own accord.
This was part of the reason, I was so psyched and excited, when I saw that my good friend, Kenya G. Johnson was updating and re-releasing her book, The Christopher Chronicles now known as The Christopher Chronicles 2.0, which contains a collection of adorably, humorous narratives from Kenya’s son Christopher.
I immediately commented to her that I would be honored to read and review for her. First and foremost, I adore Kenya, her blog and her writing in general, as well. So makes sense that I would want to read and review.
But to be completely honest, it wasn’t just about this, but I also knew that I would be able to relate to the overall book, because as a mom to two young kids again I truly do hear my fair share of laugh out loud phrases. So I was dying to see Christopher’s spin and take on things in Kenya’s book.
I was not disappointed in the least. Christopher was absolutely correct in his description that this is a “delectable” update, because from start to finish I couldn’t stop giggling and also absolutely adored the fact that Kenya included an alphabetical index with all the topics that Christopher’s “Christopherisms” covered, which made it very easy to refer back to and even share my favorite parts with my own husband.
By the way, this update contains over 200 “Christopherisms” from ages 6 to 10, which include a wide and varied range of his humorous anecdotes from his own kids’ point of view, all recorded by his mom while managing to keep a straight face. So there is truly something for everyone here with many cute and adorable moments literally “out of the mouth of this babe”.
[Tweet “What funny things have your kids said? #bookreview”]
I, myself, ending up bookmarking quite a few Christopherisms.
But by far, my favorite was Christopher’s take on the “Last Days of School”, because even though it was in complete opposition to my girls’ Frozen obsession, was still so funny, because as I have also sadly felt this way when I have had to listen to this Disney favorite’s music over and over now.
So to quote Christopher, “We had to listen to Frozen songs about ten times this week. It makes me wanna flip the tables! Not literally mom, but I just want to switch them around.”
Trust me, I have wished I could do similar if not the same thing when my youngest continually belted, “Let It Go” for about 6 months straight a few years back. I never could quite say it the way, Christopher did to my two girls, but couldn’t agree more with Christopher if I tried.
Overall, it was the innocence and equally amazing humor that jumped right off the page with his assessment of this one and so much more throughout Kenya’s book.
So, if you are a mom, dad or someone that has spent a descent amount of time with young kids, you are not going to want to miss a moment of The Christopher Chronicles 2.0 and need to get your copy, because it is a must read for all.
Get your own copy here now in either paperback or Kindle!
And thank you again to Kenya for allowing me an advance copy to read to share here with all my readers today.
Seana Turner says
I think a lot of us identify with Christopher’s sentiment about Frozen. That is a hilarious comment — flipping the tables — such a funny thing to say. Books like these make great Mother’s Day gifts!
Janine says
I agree and perfect Mother’s Day gift if you ask me, too!! 🙂
Meredith says
I think Kenya has such a cool voice! Thanks for scooping us on her book–sounds like such a fun read!
Janine says
Again so my pleasure and I couldn’t agree more about Kenya, too!! 🙂
Kathy Radigan says
I have always enjoyed reading “Christopher” stories. Kids do really have a way of putting it like it is!! Love this and I always love reading about your own two sweeties!! xo
Janine says
I very much agree about kids and I also though have loved Christopher stories in the past. So I knew I would enjoy Kenya’s book even before I began it. Thanks Kathy xoxo
Diane Roark says
Janine,
Christopher Chronicles sounds like a great book to read when you need a great laugh. I truly wish I would have written down the funny things my kids said especially my adopted kids. They were adopted at ages 4 and 7 years old. They did not speak English and when they did communicate they called everything by the wrong word. Example: Every time they saw a pumpkin they called it a monkey. It was pretty funny at the time.
Thanks for sharing!
Diane
Janine says
Aw, soapy to share and would have loved to have read what your kids said back then, as I am pretty sure it was indeed very funny, Diane!! 🙂
Ginny Marie says
Aw, that sounds like such a cute book! I need to take more time to write down the things my own kids say, too!
Janine says
I know and I am good sometimes, but other times I truly need the reminder. So thanks to Kenya for that and more today 🙂
Kristen says
Oh I can’t wait to read this!! Thanks so much,oh and my daughter said I looked sad and old yesterday. SIGH!
Janine says
So happy to share and oh man my younger one would be the one to say something like that to me, as well here!
Bill says
That’s one song I hope I never hear again. LOL Have a great week, Janine, and thanks for the chuckle this morning.
Janine says
Aw, my pleasure and sadly Bill I am still hearing it here! Have a great week once again, too 🙂
Allie says
Greta review Janine! I don’t know how I missed it, but I didn’t know that Kenya had the book out. I love Kenya too!~ It sounds awesome. And I feel for you with Frozen. My daughter liked the movie, but I think she was a little too old to become obsessed. Apparently, it’s not cool for fifth graders to belt out “Let it Go” all the time:)!
Janine says
Allie, sadly for a kindergartener, it is completely OK to belt out “Let It Go” and “Roar” by Katy Perry, too! Seriously though hope you get to read Kenya’s book very soon now 🙂
Tamara says
I always love everything that Christoper (and Kenya) says so I think this will be a great gift for many people.
Scarlet and Des say funny things all the time, but sometimes, often, they’re not appropriate for a book! Somehow that doesn’t stop me from sharing on Facebook, though!
Janine says
I totally agree that this will be a great gift for so many. Oh and I totally love when you do share things that both your kids say, Tamara on Facebook 😉
Leslie says
I love hearing what kids have to say about things. Our girls always come up with the funniest sayings, too. What a cute idea to put them all into a book! Thanks for sharing!
Janine says
Aw, so happy to share and I seriously think it is just an awesome concept to share the funny things are kids do say 🙂
Amber says
That sounds like a fun book!
My daughter likes Frozen. She used to LOVE it, but now it’s cooled down a bit. We also got to meet Elsa!
Janine says
Aw, I wish it cooled down for Frozen, but my younger still belts the song out all the time!! 😉
Jen says
I have never heard about this book! It sounds like so much fun! Thank you for alerting me to it. I love hearing the funny things kids have to say and Christopher sounds like a good egg indeed 🙂
Janine says
Jen, Christopher is totally a good egg and truly hope you get to read Kenya’s book now. Thanks again for sharing, too 🙂
Rabia @TheLiebers says
I have a lot of days where I feel like flipping tables, too!
Janine says
Oh same here, Rabia LOL! 🙂
Nellie says
How exciting the Kenya is re-releasing her book!! So happy to see her featured here today, our kids all say the craziest of things 🙂 She was smart enough to put them in a book!
Janine says
I totally agree and Kenya truly is one smart lady for this and so much more, Nellie 😉
Aunt Gloria says
Congratulations Kenya on your book. Sounds like there could be a Lilyisms book in the future…..! Enjoyed reading about her “extra homework” reaction. She’s a sharp cookie! Love to all……
Janine says
Aw, thanks so much Aunt Gloria and love to you, too 😉
Jhanis says
Sounds like I would totally enjoy this book! My little girl says things that crack me up too! I wish I thought of writing them down! Oh I hope you’d get around to writing that book! 🙂
Janine says
Thanks Jhanis and maybe someday I will! 🙂
Rea says
That’s amazing! I have quite a lot from Reiko but I don’t think I can come up with a book yet. LOL. It’s so awesome how Kenya came up with a book like that. Great idea!
Janine says
I agree, Rea and truly a great idea!! 🙂
Kenya G. Johnson says
Thanks again Janine, I have enjoyed the comments to this post and giggled all over again about flipping tables. I was there for one of those days. The kids had their end of the year testing, so I took in donuts about 45 minutes before dismissal. The song the girls chose was Let It Go and after that, they collectively chose to dance and sing to Pharrell Williams Happy. It definitely ended on a Happy note. LOL!
Janine says
Aw, once again absolutely was my pleasure, Kenya and not only did I have so much fun reading your book, but also reading the comments here, too. And also sounded like dismissal ended on quite the happy note!! LOL 😉
Kisma says
Lol, I can’t recall a time before Frozen when I could say Let it Go and not want to break out in song.
What a wonderful book. I will be checking this one out for sure. Thank you.
Janine says
Kiss, I know seriously that song brought a whole new meaning to the phrase, Let It Go! And glad you will be checking out Kenya’s book. totally hope you will enjoy, too 🙂
Rosey says
Oooh Janine! I am so happy this book is out. I love that author! I will be reviewing the book too. My son was laughing out loud reading it yesterday. 🙂
Janine says
I can’t wait to read your review now, too 😉
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says
LOL – oh my goodness, as a mom of two girls as well, I can completely identify with the Frozen thing. Hilarious!
Sounds like a great book! Thanks for sharing!
xoxo
Janine says
So happy to share and that you can relate, too Jennifer 😉
Dana says
Love that Christopher – any kid who uses the word “literally” correctly is a rockstar in my book!
Janine says
Same here, Dana!!! 😉
Kenya G. Johnson says
LOL!
Janine says
🙂
Bev says
This sounds like a highly entertaining book. Eve is just entering the age where she is starting to articulate things — as well as obsess over Frozen! — and I’m sure she will be saying some pretty hilarious things. I need to check out Kenya’s book. Thanks for sharing!
Janine says
Aw, happy to share and I know so much fun to hear the things they do come out with 😉