Product Description
A young kangaroo called Alexander lives in his mum, Nancy’s pocket. Alexander loves his mum, but there’s one thing she does that really drives him nuts. She is always putting stuff in her pocket. Alexander tries to keep things neat, but the more he tidies, the more stuff she shoves in there. When he complains, his sister calls him a baby – it’s time to leave the pouch anyway. But Alexander loves it in there – it’s warm and cosy and smells of mum.
Then one day, it gets really bad. Twelve bobby pins, a tube of toothpaste, a bottle of water, a packet of chewing gum, two bus tickets, some keys, a toy car and a cookbook all find their way into Nancy’s pouch. And that’s just for starters. Finally Alexander’s had enough. ‘I can’t take it any more!’ he shouts. ‘I’m moving out!’ So Alexander moves into the room next to his sister’s. They make it all cosy, with a furry blanket and shelves for all his stuff. So it’s just like his mum’s pouch. Almost. The penultimate spread is Alexander sleeping with all his stuff strewn around him. The final spread is Nancy clearing out her pocket with a wink. It was time for Alexander to go.
This is a heartwarming tale about a connection between a son and mother and a journey towards independence, beautifully brought to life.
Review
'Amusing illustrations, rendered with fluid, black brush strokes and a snappy, eye-catching, orange-dominated palette, effectively capture all the turmoil, unrest, and chaos of Alexander's life in Mum's bulging pouch. Double-page spreads of Alexander fruitlessly wrangling an endless array of diverse objects present a convincing argument for his eventual progression from pouch into the next phase of his young life.
A humorous invitation to embrace change and move on'. -- Kirkus
'Pops of golden yellow dominate the watercolor, ink, and pencil illustrations of this tongue-in-cheek story about helping children embrace their independence.' -- Foreword Reviews
'A whimsical story about parents and children evolves, with a special and fun message that kids will appreciate'. -- Donovan's Literary Services
'A charming and well-crafted picture book story about Alexander, a joey who lives in his kangaroo mother Nancy's pocket, his quest for order and tidiness, and his ultimate independence. There's a lot to discuss here with themes of organisation, self-reliance and living with other people. With vibrant and florescent illustrations, this is a great book for reluctant readers in year 1, and also to read to classes in KS1, particularly at the start of a new school year'. -- School Reading List
'The Pocket Chaotic by the team of author/storyteller Ziggy Hanaor and artist/illustrator Daniel Gray-Barnett is an original, funny and heartwarming picture book tale about a connection between a mother and son (and his journey towards independence), that will ring true for many children especially in these uncertain times. A thoroughly 'kid friendly' and entertaining read, The Pocket Chaotic is a very highly recommended addition to family, daycare centre, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 3-6' -- Midwest Book Review
'From the witty title, to the delightful endpapers, The Pocket Chaotic is a charming story about becoming independent and growing up. The long list of items that Alexander finds in the pouch are great fun to read aloud, and the witty illustrations caused me to laugh out loud more than once. Adult readers will wonder, is mom Nancy Machiavellian, or just messy? Either way, The Pocket Chaotic is both entertaining and comforting. That's a neat (ha!) trick.' -- Mr. Alex's Bookshelf
'I loved this adorable story! It is completely hilarious from start to finish, and I loved every page! The illustrations add so much to the humor of the story! The funny expressions on the characters' faces are just perfection. I love the crayon art style, and the neon bright colors are sure to capture your attention.'
