By: Jason Gerber
In her latest children’s book, The Closet Ate It! author Rhonda D. Bourn presents a hilarious tale that young readers and parents alike are sure to adore. The book takes readers on a journey through the cleaning experience of one very inventive child, blending humor and imagination with a relatable message about tidying up.
Rhonda, known for her engaging writing style and understanding of children’s everyday experiences, has released a book that has all the ingredients to become a bedtime favorite.
The Closet Ate It! follows the amusing antics of a young protagonist whose room is in complete disarray, with everything from last year’s homework to Halloween vampire teeth scattered across the floor.
Grandma’s instruction to “clean up” seems straightforward, but with so many odds and ends covering every surface, it’s hard to know where to begin. As the child finds each lost item, from a lunchbox filled with something questionable to a trombone from fourth grade, the task seems increasingly overwhelming. That’s when the closet becomes a convenient (if slightly dangerous) solution, allowing everything to be hastily stuffed out of sight.
As the story progresses, Rhonda brilliantly reflects a child’s creativity and playfulness in cleaning. Taking breaks to play with the family dog, testing out forgotten toys, and even spending a few moments with a long-lost teddy bear.
Eventually, every last item is stuffed into the closet, which seems to hold an endless amount of clutter. But when Grandma checks in, the closet’s patience runs out, exploding in a humorous display of all the items stashed inside. The protagonist innocently declares, “I guess the closet ate it!” a line sure to be repeated by young readers and perhaps a familiar excuse to some parents.
Bourn’s approach to the narrative is refreshing and highly relatable. Parents will recognize the way children often clean by simply hiding messes. On the other hand, kids will see themselves in the protagonist’s sense of fun and ingenuity. The book’s lively rhyming verse flows effortlessly, making it a joy to read aloud, while the rhythm and repetition ensure it is easily memorable, encouraging young readers to participate. Through this lighthearted tale, Bourn subtly introduces the concept of responsibility and the importance of tidying up properly without feeling heavy-handed.
The Closet Ate It! is accompanied by vibrant, humorous illustrations, grabbing the reader’s attention with their bright colors and fun details. Each page is filled with visual surprises that mirror the child’s discoveries, inviting young readers to spot the quirky items hidden around the room. The illustrations further complement the rhyming text, making the book accessible to pre-readers as well, who can follow along with the visuals as the story is read aloud.
Rhonda D. Bourn, a skilled storyteller with a knack for tapping into the thoughts and experiences of children, has made the book to be both entertaining and educational.
The book emphasizes family, personal responsibility, and imagination, making it perfect for children. It encourages them to take pride in their spaces, and even cleaning up can sometimes feel like an adventure of its own.
Rhonda has a deep love for children’s literature and aims to spark a joy for reading in her young audience. The Closet Ate It! is a playful nod to that scenario, with a touch of magic that keeps children laughing while gently reminding them that organization doesn’t have to be boring; it could be fun.
The book offers a shared reading experience that parents and children can enjoy together, likely inspiring families to tackle their messy closets (perhaps with more caution).
The Closet Ate It! is now available for purchase in online bookstores, making it a delightful addition to any child’s home library. This lively tale is perfect for bedtime reading, classroom story time, or simply a fun afternoon read. You can get your copy here.
Other Books of the Same Series:
Zacari and Grandma Fun in the Park
Published By: Aize Perez
