When When Summer Gets Messy… Grab This Book!
- katrinalcurrie
- Jun 12
- 2 min read
Summer is here, which means lots of together time for siblings—and we all know that can be equal parts sweet and chaotic. That’s why The Big Mess by Justin Whitmel Earley landed in our home right on time.

The Big Mess
Written by the bestselling author of Habits of the Household and illustrated by the whimsical Janna Mattia, The Big Mess is a delightful picture book that brings laughter and life lessons in every page turn. It’s packed with vibrant illustrations, sibling antics, and that relatable struggle of trying to do something just right—only for a little sibling to stir things up!
In our home, it immediately sparked giggles and “that’s just like us!” reactions. Big brother Mouse is determined to bake the perfect dessert, but baby brother Moose has other plans—messy, silly, lovable plans. As the flour flies and the sprinkles scatter, so does the tension between the two… until love, grace, and understanding bring them back together.
As a mom, what I appreciated most is how it gently opens up conversations about teamwork, patience, and learning to see the beauty in someone else’s chaos—even when it ruins your cake.
Whether you’re planning quiet summer afternoons or prepping for bedtime giggles, The Big Mess is the perfect addition to your summer reading shelf. It’s a story you’ll read again and again—and not just because your kids ask for it every night. 😉
Let your kiddos know that the mess is part of the magic. Because sometimes, the best memories are made in the middle of the biggest messes.
📚 Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3YRbuu7
🎥 Peep the adorable trailer: https://youtu.be/yC9XtJr6RS4
Tagging: @zonderkidz @justinwhitmelearley @jannamattia
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