This is a story about Ellie and her mum having a very bad day. Mum yells at Ellie and says something not very nice leading mum to apologize. In all honesty, I hate this book. Ellie was being a brat. And mum apologizes for being a grown up version of a brat, but they never talked over what was causing this in the first place. It would have been the opportune time. Then at the end, mom wants to know if they can be “friends” again. That is the part I hate the most. Stop being a friend and be a parent.

I have been there. I have been so tired that I have shouted at my kid. It happened when she was a new born, and it happened when she was older. It is never fun to have a mom break down, and shout horrid things at your kid. It scares them. And like the Mum in this book, once you calm down, you can come and reassure the kid that everything is ok, and that you were tired, and not to worry, that they are still loved.

It is exhausting being a mother. Kids wear you out. Things happen. So, having this picture book to explain that to kids, is a Good Thing(tm). Kids want to be reassured that things will turn out alright.

I recommend this book for schools, libraries and for homes. I feel that this reassurance is important in this scary world.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

Ellie Jelly is the story of Ellie's mum who has a 'massive mum meltdown' and how this affects Ellie. I thought this was a fantastic concept, as it normalises the fact that mums DO struggle, and they do occasionally lose their patience when things get on top of them. But the moral at the end of the story is that Ellie's mum still loves her and makes sure to show her that when it comes to bed time, and explains to Ellie why she had a 'meltdown', before apologising. A very important message, it reminds young people aged around 3-7 that even if mummy (or daddy) gets cross, their parents still love them.

Great book for explaining to young children why mum sometimes losses it, but a cuddle and apology makes everything better. Also helps a young child to understand how it feels when they try and do the right thing but it all goes badly wrong. Great illustrations, too.

This important book is a perfect catalyst to start a family dialogue about what might cause a massive emotional meltdown and how it can hopefully be prevented in the future.

Ellie starts off the day by being very grumpy and very demanding towards her mother. She is shouting at the top of her voice for mum to come see her but unfortunately mum is busy with her little sister Grace who is ill and throwing up all over the place.

Ellie stamps down the stairs and rudely asks her mum where her breakfast is because she's hungry. Ellie keeps up the bad behaviour and mum responds with pointy eyebrows, sighing, and finally her "stop it now" face but has to rush off because baby Grace is sick once again and needs to be tended to.

Ellie is not amused or appeased and keeps banging and shouting wanting her breakfast now. She decides to take matters into her own hands and put milk on her cereal and not wait until mum returns to help her pour. That is not a great decision because the milk container is heavy and cold and as Ellie is pouring it out the milk gets out of control and splashes EVERYWHERE!! Oh my!

She tries her best to clean up the mess before mum arrives back but things even manage to get worse if that is even possible. Mum returns, surveys the mess and the damage that Ellie causes, and completely loses it. To compound matters further Grace once again throws up. That's the last straw and mum ignites. She lights up like a firecracker and totally explodes spewing unkind words, banging and crashing things around the kitchen, and even breaks a bowl in her unhinged tirade.


Can peace be restored between the two? Can calm, rationality and love flow once again in their home?

The book shows the humaness of the mum and all the strain and stress that she is experiencing. She is not only worried about Grace but is totally exhausted too. She is overwhelmed with all that is being asked of her to do. I love how the author brings it all together at the end by the softening of hearts, the asking of forgiveness and the hug-bonding that so is needed after a major (or minor) meltdown occurs.

The illustrations are colourful, expressive and could stand alone. I like the book a lot and would recommend it for sure.

*thank you to Netgalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

4 stars.

Such an honest little book. It surprised me a little as this is a whole lot of truth for very young readers but then I realised, this is reality. This is what its really like for parents. At times they loose their tempers and say brutal things. But the most important thing of all is to then apologise just as this mother did. Raising 2 small children is tough when its 24/7 and at times they can play up and things can get out of hand but then showing love and kindness makes the world of difference. This book is for all those small children to know that they are not alone, that all mother's get angry at times and it doesn't mean that they are bad kids. Everybody has bad days. I really loved the way the story shows how the mother handled the situation. I also enjoyed the illustrations. They were simple but bright and colourful. Very eye catching.

This is a lovely story of a parent apologizing after getting angry with her daughters.
Mum sits down and talks with Ellie about how everyone has bad days sometimes and that doesn't mean they don't love each other.

Great addition to your library!

Thanks, NetGalley, for the read.

Ellie Jelly is a little girl who needs more time with her busy, stressed out mom. Sweet book. <3

This was a great read for me and my 5 year old. We could both relate to the characters and had a long talk afterward about emotions and how sometimes when we're stressed or overwhelmed we might yell and get angry and what things we might do instead.

As a Mum who gets stressed out myself this was a really lovely read. It’s relatable and eye opening in a way sometimes only a kids book can be. I read it with my three year old son who loved the pictures and said “oh dear!” When Ellie dropped the milk and I got a cuddle at the end. It’s a good length for this kind of story too I feel, not too long and with a happy but conclusive ending.

Every parent needs to read this book to their child. Ellie's mum has been having a rough time and when it seems everything is going wrong, she loses it. After yelling at her daughter and saying some things that she didn't mean, she calls grandma for help. She and Ellie talk it out, snuggle and all is forgiven. I do not know a parent who has not lost it at one time or another. This is a great story showing children that parents do have their meltdowns as well, but they still love their children and need to be forgiven as well. A great message to everyone. Not only do the children learn, but mums will learn that it is okay to admit sometimes they need help and their mum can do that for them. They have been there too. A great book for every family library and new parent.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishing for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. First time reading this author. I loved this story!! Every mom has days like this. I hate to say it, but I never handled it this well. I didn't have anyone to come over to help either. Nicely written. Great for mom, dad and the kids. I would recommend to anyone. Thanks I gave this a 4.5!