The Big Mess is a fun and heartwarming picture book about two brothers learning to get along. When big brother Mouse tries to bake the perfect dessert, his clumsy little brother Moose keeps getting in the way—causing chaos and, of course, a big mess! Through humor, mishaps, and sibling love, this story shows that even when things don’t go as planned, life is better when shared with the ones we love.

This was so fun to read, I love the illustrations! I think it is a great message because we often carry these moments with us into adulthood. By showing grace when messes are made the children understand to give themselves grace as they go and grow through life. My own critique is that I wish there was more of a difference with the brothers names reading it especially with the rhymthic prose can be confusing.

A super cute story about a baking mouse named Mouse and his brother Moose, who always seems to make a mess of things. The story is short, sweet, and full of adventure, laughter, flexibility, and family. The artwork is adorable, and the message is a great one. I actually forgot it was a Christian children’s book until I got to the discussion questions at the end—such a thoughtful touch.

I’d love to read this with my niece, especially since she has a little brother who tends to mess up her stuff too—she’ll definitely relate!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the read!

A cute story about siblings but comes to a very quick conclusion that doesn’t leave room for both siblings to learn from each other. As a Christian book, with supplemental material in the back that references discussions of God, I wouldn’t add to a general library collection unless it would fit in the religious section which this would not.

Leaves you craving a sweet treat

This was a fun book that had me craving my own banana pie. I like that in this case rather than trying to control the scenario, they leaned into and embraced what could be done instead of not.

The illustrations felt action based and get the reader excited.

This book would make a great part of a lesson for siblings that bicker sometimes.

I received a copy of this book from Justin Whitmel Earle and Zonderkidz-Books | Zonderkidz. I am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.

This was a cute, goofy, and creative story about siblings learning how to deal with conflict, compromise, collaborate, and appreciate each other’s differences. This book was entertaining and fun and had a lot of energy, both in the words and in the illustrations. I did feel like the names of the characters sometimes got a little confusing since they are so similar. I also appreciated the discussion questions at the end of the book and how it gives parents an opportunity to share the gospel with their kids.

This is the cute story of a mouse who is constantly interrupted by his little brother. There is a creative solution at the end of the book that makes each brother happy.

Adorable scenes and situations about collaboration.
Has a lot of promise.
Th art style is calming.

Super fun book! I was very entertained while reading this book, and I know for certain that little ones will be as well. The illustrations were full with energy and clearly demonstrated each and every mess that was made. There was never a dull moment in this book thanks to these awesome illustrations. Additionally, the rhyming scheme that was used allowed the story to flow effortlessly. It also makes for a more engaging story time with parents/caregivers. However, I do have one critique about that rhyming. On page 23, air does not rhyme super well with here, and I would alter it a bit so that the nice flow isn't disrupted. Lastly, the conclusion was very sweet and accurately displayed the benefits and results of brothers working together rather than against each other. Collaboration is important for little kids to see in the books that they read, and I thought that the solution was rather creative so, bravo!

My daughter and I read this together. She hadn't really wanted to read but as soon as we started she got into it. The book was beautifully illustrated and the storyline was funny and sweet. We enjoyed seeing the lovely cakes and pies, and the mess that moose made of each of them. I would definitely recommend this book. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read.

What a lovely little book- perfect for young readers who are being read to still. My little boy age 5 loved the easy rhyming and lyrical lilt to the words, easily getting caught up in the story.

A tale about Mouse and his brother Moose who is always messing up Mouse’s creations - but with the underlying message that sometimes it’s okay to make a mess- and that working together is best. A good lesson for any messy child.

A nice touch to find out at the end that there was a creature to find on each page - which enhanced the enjoyment.

Overall a great children’s book. Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC

this was so fun and hilarious! the art was so cute and i had such a good time reading this haha! need to get copy for my younger cousins!

This is a cute, fantastical story about an older sibling whose younger sibling constantly messes up his projects, and who learns how to adapt to his younger sibling's strengths so that they can work together. The story is silly and imaginative, and the illustrations are charming.

The story itself does not have a direct Christian message, but the author's note at the end does, and this note also includes more thoughts about sibling dynamics. Parents can use this story with kids to help teach a life lesson, but the story is so fantastical that the resolution doesn't easily translate into real life.

A hugely relatable book about the mess siblings make! Cute illustrations and a jaunty rhythm help this to race along to its conclusion with perfect reminder of the joy of sharing - a great message for those finding their siblings and their mess irritating! Great fun!

I am so glad that God is always so kind to invite us in. His invitation to worship is available to all.

This book helps remind me of His invitation. An invitation for brothers to play in the mess. As a family, we all enjoyed this book. The vibrant illustrations, the playfully narrative, and graceful message were wonderful. It was hard to distinguish between Moose and Mouse at times. The questions and authors note at the end help us to discuss opportunities of forgiveness in the midst of frustration. Such a great story!

Thank you Netgalley and Zonderkidz for this ARC!

A heartwarming story of thinking of others before yourself and improving sibling relationships. I liked the rhyming parts, message, and illustrations. The wording was missing something for me. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book and read it with pleasure. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, Zonderkidz and NetGalley.

This was such a cute book about siblings learning to get along. I read this one with my older toddler who struggles to get along with his brothers at times and it felt impactful. The story was heartwarming and the illustrations were absolutely gorgeous!

Thank you for the ARC. What an adorable story of two brother mice. Loved the rhymes. Loved the illustration. It was a fun and light hearted story.

The tagline is "A deliciously funny and heartwarming story of siblings learning to get along." That's all you really need to know! Children will love the rhyming prose and fantastic mishaps that big brother Mouse and little brother Moose get up to in The Big Mess. The illustrations are especially gorgeous.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for granting access to this book

This is a delightful tale that teaches a very important life lesson --- how siblings can get along. This is an important message that I think sometimes siblings (possibly of any age!) can forget. I think adults and children alike can get something out of this book. I also thought that illustrations were very creative and eye catching.

This book takes us on brother mouse’s journey as he discovers how he can do something he loves (baking dessert) while including his brother moose (who has a tendency to crash into his creations)! It is a super cute story about brothers learning to work together so they can both enjoy sharing with each other. Complete with beautiful pictures and giant desserts, this book conquers a big challenge - sibling rivalry with sweetness! This book would be perfect for a sibling pair who is struggling to figure out how to play together.