"As the child explains to a skeptical mother in Yoshitake's simply drawn cartoon scenes, it's all perfectly reasonable… fidgeting is the fault of an ill-tempered chair, a "Dash Bug" is to blame whenever the protagonist runs down a hall… The matching serious expressions on the faces of the two figures crank the drollery up an extra notch. [I Can Explain is] an easy pick."
—Kirkus Reviews
A laugh-out-loud picture book about bad habits from internationally acclaimed author-illustrator Shinsuke Yoshitake.
Nose picking? Nail biting? Wiping dirty hands on clothes? Before you call them "bad manners," consider the compelling reasons that may be behind these behaviors. For instance, jumping on the bed is great practice for when the road becomes a trampoline! Not being able to sit still might actually be the chair's fault! And what better way to train for the International Straw Chewing Contest than by chewing on straws?
This hilarious picture book unpacks the reasons behind a variety of relatable behaviors. Clever and creative, it will inspire children and parents alike to expand their powers of reason and view their own habits in a new, humorous, and—most importantly—forgiving light. After all, there's an explanation for everything!
ENCOURAGES CREATIVE THINKING: This humorous picture book encourages readers to laugh at their “bad habits.” Kids will delight in the narrator's endless explanations, which are at once hilarious, thoughtful, and absurd.
A UNIQUE TAKE ON MANNERS: Manners matter, but we are only human! Thought-provoking scenarios make for fun (and forgiving) conversations about our silliest tendencies.
PERFECT FOR REPEAT READS: With a comic-esque art style, an engaging story, a fast pace, and a charming voice, this humorous picture book will have young readers asking to read it again and again.
FROM AN AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR: Fans of the critically acclaimed picture books The Boring Book and There Must Be More Than That! will immediately recognize author-illustrator Shinsuke Yoshitake's signature illustration style, humor, and imaginative sensibility.
Perfect for:
- Fans of award-winning author-illustrator Shinsuke Yoshitake
- Parents seeking a humorous book about manners
- Parents, grandparents, and caregivers
"As the child explains to a skeptical mother in Yoshitake's simply drawn cartoon scenes, it's all perfectly reasonable… fidgeting is the fault of an ill-tempered chair, a "Dash Bug" is to blame whenever the protagonist runs down a hall… The matching serious expressions on the faces of the two figures crank the drollery up an extra notch. [I Can Explain is] an easy pick."
—Kirkus Reviews
“Yoshitake provides a wholly original way for parents and caregivers to discuss good manners and healthy behavior with their children through the inventive lens of another creative (albeit fictional) child.”
—Booklist
“[I Can Explain is] an easy pick.”
—Kirkus Reviews