Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsRegret Buying
Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2020
I really wanted to like this book, or even love it, but after reading through it, I wish I hadn't bought it. We loved the Danny books so I thought this would be great too. I feel like there is a lot of "girl drama" in the different stories and not enough getting along or taking control of their emotions. For example, although Darla chooses to do something she shouldn't doesn't mean her choices dictate her sister's actions. Hannah is just as much responsible for her choices as Darla is. I felt everytime Darla had a bad day it ended with her feeling her sister was mean because of her choices. Hannah could have easily chosen to react to her sister's misbehavior in a more mature way, instead she lowered herself to her sister's poor behavior and they both just fight over and over again and they both end up having bad days. I teach my children that even if someone chooses to do something wrong or unkind to them, it doesn't mean it's okay to be unkind back. We can choose to react to the other person's poor behavior in a better way so we are not also choosing the wrong. In other words, two wrongs don't make a right. I also teach my children that no one else is responsible for their feelings and whether they have a good day or not. It helps when we are kind to each other, but sometimes people aren't kind and we need to learn to still find happiness in our lives despite unkindness. I also didn't like the reference to the friend looking like she peed her pants. I just don't like potty humor or children teasing each other whether they really peed their pants or not. That story could have been told differently in a more appropriate way. We also don't force our kids to share their toys. If they don't want the other playing with a toy that specifically belongs to them, than that is their decision. We feel this teaches them that they have control over their personal space and property. If they choose to not share a specific toy, I encourage them to find something else they can share or do together. I've hesitated leaving this review because I love the concept and I know not many share my point of view. I also don't want to offend the authors or others as I know it boils down to different parenting techniques and perspectives. I hope those who disagree can do so respectfully. If these things are a concern for you I highly suggest either avoiding this book or be prepared to discuss not only how Darla chooses to behave but also Hannah. This book may be best for children eight and older.
