A little girl can’t resist the urge to play in her daddy’s office while he’s out, but is surprised to find that her room has also been invaded.
Off-Limits by Helen Yoon. Candlewick Press, 2021. 32 pages.
- Reading Level: Picture books, ages 4-8
- Recommended For: Ages 4-8
When daddy leaves his office to fill his cup of coffee, he leaves a sign on the door that reads, “Off-limits.” His little daughter can’t resist the temptation to come in and just look around. Just looking…taking a little tiny piece of tape…and then she proceeds to tape everything in sight! It’s so much fun to connect paper clips and binder clips! Oooh, what’s in the drawer? A zigzag of post-it notes! She arranges them in a color pattern, takes scissors and cuts out people and stars and…uh-oh.
In the midst of her festooning, surrounded by banners of her creation, she remembers that she’s NOT supposed to be in there. She tiptoes out and goes to find that her room has been invaded by her tiara-wearing, tutu-clad, face-painted dad who is performing a concert for her stuffed animals.
It’s weird. I wish it were a case of a father accommodating his little girl’s dress-up whim, but there’s no hint of that motive.
Although the last page is wordless, with the two of them cheerfully reconciled over a tea party, neither character is admirable.
Bottom Line: The author’s more recent title, A Pinecone! features the same duo in a much more charming story. Off-Limits is as disappointing as A Pinecone! is delightful.
Considerations:
- The father is discovered wearing a tutu and tiara.
Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader
- Book Review: A Pinecone! is a delightful story that we definitely DO recommend you checking out!
- Book Review: My Daddy Rules the World is a lovely celebration of fathers.
- Resource: Books for Dads to Read to Their Kids (so many great titles!)
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