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Nuts: Every Family is a Little
Ever felt like your family was crazy? All Wally wants to do is open presents, but before he can he has to endure his nutty family! Written for siblings of autistic children, this fully-illustrated heart-warming story teaches tolerance and understanding for everyone. Recommended for Second Grade readers.
- GenresChildrens
42 pages, Paperback
Published March 25, 2016
156 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Cosmo
77 books97 followersA.J. Cosmo's stories are crafted to help parents teach their children
simple everyday lessons in an easy to understand manner. By artfully
marrying beautiful illustrations and language, children are challenged to
explore his magical worlds. Written for the transitional reader, A.J.'s
stories allow your child to develop and master a new level of reading.
simple everyday lessons in an easy to understand manner. By artfully
marrying beautiful illustrations and language, children are challenged to
explore his magical worlds. Written for the transitional reader, A.J.'s
stories allow your child to develop and master a new level of reading.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 6, 2018
Cute drawings
Nuts by A J Cosmo is a tale of a family get together, and we all know how wonderful that can be...not! Well, things go pretty bad for one poor soul...many times during the visit!
Nuts by A J Cosmo is a tale of a family get together, and we all know how wonderful that can be...not! Well, things go pretty bad for one poor soul...many times during the visit!
June 14, 2017
Right from the beginning this story felt so familiar. It began with Wally the squirrel and his sister and parents driving to his grandmother’s house for a family reunion. I remember playing the car games. I Spy and counting objects we passed by. And it never failed, someone always asked, “Are we there yet?” Remember those family road trips?
The more I read, the more fun I had. If it weren’t for the colorful, fun illustrations I would have forgot this was about a family of squirrels. That’s how much I connected with them. And those illustrations. You should see the expressions on the squirrels faces. Too cute.
And the author gets quite creative with their names. There’s Wally and his sister, Pistachio. His mother, Brazil and father, Almond, Grandma Praline and Uncle Peanut. A few more relatives are introduced. Can you guess what their names might be? Every time I read their names I grinned. It’ll be fun for your kids to see how many “nuts” they recognize.
Wally thinks it’s all about the presents. Everyone exchanges names and brings a gift. He’s impatient to eat so they can start opening them. But family reunions are much more than that. Something Wally will soon learn.
I’ve read many of A.J.’s books and Nuts is one of my favorites. He includes special messages in such clever ways. If my son ever gets around to giving me grandkids, you can bet I’ll share this with them. I can almost hear the snickers and exclamations of excitement when they see the pictures and read about Wally and his family.
The more I read, the more fun I had. If it weren’t for the colorful, fun illustrations I would have forgot this was about a family of squirrels. That’s how much I connected with them. And those illustrations. You should see the expressions on the squirrels faces. Too cute.
And the author gets quite creative with their names. There’s Wally and his sister, Pistachio. His mother, Brazil and father, Almond, Grandma Praline and Uncle Peanut. A few more relatives are introduced. Can you guess what their names might be? Every time I read their names I grinned. It’ll be fun for your kids to see how many “nuts” they recognize.
Wally thinks it’s all about the presents. Everyone exchanges names and brings a gift. He’s impatient to eat so they can start opening them. But family reunions are much more than that. Something Wally will soon learn.
I’ve read many of A.J.’s books and Nuts is one of my favorites. He includes special messages in such clever ways. If my son ever gets around to giving me grandkids, you can bet I’ll share this with them. I can almost hear the snickers and exclamations of excitement when they see the pictures and read about Wally and his family.
July 16, 2016
Excellent! This is so good! It's a real life situation that many families can identify with. AJ brings it about delicately and with great example. I think we can all pick out a few relatives in this story. ;) It shows that we are just all the way we are, and that we are all special in one way or another. It shows that acceptance, understanding, and togetherness is what family is all about. I highly recommend this wonderful story!
AJ, you ROCK, dude! x)
August 24, 2019
Relatable
This is a cute book, that doesn’t spell out the lesson. The situation and the events of a holiday celebration with the extended family over at Grandma’s are very relatable.
This is a cute book, that doesn’t spell out the lesson. The situation and the events of a holiday celebration with the extended family over at Grandma’s are very relatable.
June 12, 2017
Wally's entire family is gathering for the holidays at grandma's house and he can't wait to see what presents he will receive. Before he can open presents he must endure his extended family: avoiding Grandma's 101 coconut storytelling; the non-help with unloading presents from the car; and wrongly setting the table, how much more can he take. Well, little did he know there was not a present for him. How could his family forget him. Most young kids might think or feel this when everyone is in a rush during the holidays and they all are focused on making it a perfect gathering but they forget the main reason for the gathering, cherishing family no matter what. This would be an easy read for an 8-10 year olds.
I rated this slightly low because there is a small section, I believe the author wanted to touch upon, but it did not get explained or expressed well. Wally cousin Chestnut might have special needs but it's not presented in a clear way. It's addressed as a 'never mind, he will be ok deal'. Therefore, children might not understand that section. Overall, acceptance of all family members is truly what matter.
I rated this slightly low because there is a small section, I believe the author wanted to touch upon, but it did not get explained or expressed well. Wally cousin Chestnut might have special needs but it's not presented in a clear way. It's addressed as a 'never mind, he will be ok deal'. Therefore, children might not understand that section. Overall, acceptance of all family members is truly what matter.
June 12, 2017
Nuts: Every Family is a Little... by A. J. Cosmo
Family visits the grandparents with their children and it's Christmas. Wally wants to open his gifts right away. Pistachio his sister wants to visit with the birds in the forest.
Few colorful pictures along th eway.
Other relatives arrive with their presents also to share in the celebration.
Wally has to help wherever it's needed while others are doing other things.
After dinner the presents are delivered to who they belong to...Wally does not get one and the grandparents take over after they figure out what happened and talk to him.
Cute story in the long run.
Family visits the grandparents with their children and it's Christmas. Wally wants to open his gifts right away. Pistachio his sister wants to visit with the birds in the forest.
Few colorful pictures along th eway.
Other relatives arrive with their presents also to share in the celebration.
Wally has to help wherever it's needed while others are doing other things.
After dinner the presents are delivered to who they belong to...Wally does not get one and the grandparents take over after they figure out what happened and talk to him.
Cute story in the long run.
June 9, 2017
I hope I am missing something. Although well written, I found it disrespectful and heartbreaking. How can everyone open presents on Christmas but one little kid? The main one in the story. That is a scarring for life. I've seen people scarred for far less. I don't know that I would read this to my grandson as I am already working on his smart mouth.
June 8, 2017
A cute story about a nutty family's holiday
Nuts is a cute illustrated story about a nutty squirrel family's holiday get together. This simple story is good for young readers ready for a slightly longer book or for parents to read to their kids. The pictures are a nice addition.
Nuts is a cute illustrated story about a nutty squirrel family's holiday get together. This simple story is good for young readers ready for a slightly longer book or for parents to read to their kids. The pictures are a nice addition.
June 9, 2017
The artwork was not great and not particularly interesting. The writing was fine, but the story was okay at best. I've read similarly themed children's story books that expressed their point much more clearly and more interestingly. Not a classic by any means.
August 30, 2017
I enjoyed this book and hope to share it with my kids as a reminder that every family unit operates differently than another. To some not in the immediate family unit, others look nuts, but in the end the family ties can still bind us together.
June 7, 2017
A sweet story of family and those who don't feel that they belong.
June 10, 2017
i was initially skeptical, but this is an excellent story.
June 23, 2017
Cute story
This cute story uses a family of squirrels to help children understand feelings of disappointment. The book is easy to read and the illustrations are cute.
This cute story uses a family of squirrels to help children understand feelings of disappointment. The book is easy to read and the illustrations are cute.
June 14, 2017
Really choppy. Hard to follow.
August 21, 2017
There are some characters in every family!
October 10, 2017
Good moral
The story has a good moral behind it, but be warned... it's really weird. I'm not a fan of the style or flow of this book.
The story has a good moral behind it, but be warned... it's really weird. I'm not a fan of the style or flow of this book.
June 1, 2016
I. ABOUT THE BOOK
Nuts takes place at Grandma Praline's house during an afternoon when young Wally's family gathers for a special dinner and gift exchange and meet Wally's relatives. While loving, their quirky ways make sensible Wally feel excluded and unwanted.
II. WHAT KIDS WILL LIKE
Characters
Characters soar in this picture book through narrative and artistry. The author cleverly bestows his squirrels with human traits. Each is named after a type of nut and exhibit charming idiosyncrasies found in many families.
For instance, teenage cousin Cashew is always on her mobile phone and pays little heed to Wally beyond occasional eye rolls. Little sister Pistachio is obsessed with counting birds. Grandma Praline is warm, caring, and forgetful, repeating the same story at every opportunity about finding a coconut. Wally is the only one who worries about every day things like getting dinner on the table on time and keeping track of presents.
Illustrations
Cosmo's bright, cheerful illustrations bring his zany family to life. He paints a unifying look with their bulging eyes and buckteeth, but then adds unique features and shading that pull personalities to the forefront. Plus, the art pulls children into the story with its details of every day life, squirrel-style. Think sitting down to a linen-covered dinner table to a plateful of corn kernels and squash. I cracked up seeing the meat thermometer inserted into a huge acorn – a primo squirrelly main course -- to test its doneness after roasting in the oven.
III. WHAT FAMILY MEMBERS, TEACHERS WILL LIKE
This charming tale of an eccentric family has deeper undertones of acceptance, tolerance and forgiveness you will want to explore with children. For instance, Wally unknowingly triggers an outburst as he tries to focus cousin Chestnut’s attention on their gift exchange. Snapping his fingers by Chestnut’s ears startles the cousin, and the resulting screams and panic attack were not Wally’s intended consequences. This is a perfect platform for discussing that families embrace handicapable members as well as those who live with people with special needs.
And then there’s that endearing moment between Wally and Grandmother Praline. Upset by being missing dinner favorites and not receiving a gift, Wally stomps off. Grandma Praline seeks to comfort him through a spot-on series of questions that dive into his feelings:
... What do you feel inside right now?
I don’t know.
Yes you do. What are you feeling?
Wally wiped his nose and felt his heart. ‘Mad,’ he said.
And what’s under that feeling?
I don’t know.
You do, sweetheart. Just look at what’s under mad.
It’s a sweet moment for children to observe; a powerful opportunity to help them learn how to deal with disappointment and sadness that can be an integral of being a family.
In terms of layout, each page of Nuts is beautifully illustrated with corresponding text blocks underneath. I would have preferred a bit more white space to delineate paragraphs because so much compressed text could overwhelm young readers.
IV. MY RECOMMENDATION
Author, illustrator A.J. Cosmo pens a charming tale for ages 4-8 that packs a triple punch. Its illustrations and witty dialogue will have children smiling as they learn to understand and accept people for being different.
Nuts takes place at Grandma Praline's house during an afternoon when young Wally's family gathers for a special dinner and gift exchange and meet Wally's relatives. While loving, their quirky ways make sensible Wally feel excluded and unwanted.
II. WHAT KIDS WILL LIKE
Characters
Characters soar in this picture book through narrative and artistry. The author cleverly bestows his squirrels with human traits. Each is named after a type of nut and exhibit charming idiosyncrasies found in many families.
For instance, teenage cousin Cashew is always on her mobile phone and pays little heed to Wally beyond occasional eye rolls. Little sister Pistachio is obsessed with counting birds. Grandma Praline is warm, caring, and forgetful, repeating the same story at every opportunity about finding a coconut. Wally is the only one who worries about every day things like getting dinner on the table on time and keeping track of presents.
Illustrations
Cosmo's bright, cheerful illustrations bring his zany family to life. He paints a unifying look with their bulging eyes and buckteeth, but then adds unique features and shading that pull personalities to the forefront. Plus, the art pulls children into the story with its details of every day life, squirrel-style. Think sitting down to a linen-covered dinner table to a plateful of corn kernels and squash. I cracked up seeing the meat thermometer inserted into a huge acorn – a primo squirrelly main course -- to test its doneness after roasting in the oven.
III. WHAT FAMILY MEMBERS, TEACHERS WILL LIKE
This charming tale of an eccentric family has deeper undertones of acceptance, tolerance and forgiveness you will want to explore with children. For instance, Wally unknowingly triggers an outburst as he tries to focus cousin Chestnut’s attention on their gift exchange. Snapping his fingers by Chestnut’s ears startles the cousin, and the resulting screams and panic attack were not Wally’s intended consequences. This is a perfect platform for discussing that families embrace handicapable members as well as those who live with people with special needs.
And then there’s that endearing moment between Wally and Grandmother Praline. Upset by being missing dinner favorites and not receiving a gift, Wally stomps off. Grandma Praline seeks to comfort him through a spot-on series of questions that dive into his feelings:
... What do you feel inside right now?
I don’t know.
Yes you do. What are you feeling?
Wally wiped his nose and felt his heart. ‘Mad,’ he said.
And what’s under that feeling?
I don’t know.
You do, sweetheart. Just look at what’s under mad.
It’s a sweet moment for children to observe; a powerful opportunity to help them learn how to deal with disappointment and sadness that can be an integral of being a family.
In terms of layout, each page of Nuts is beautifully illustrated with corresponding text blocks underneath. I would have preferred a bit more white space to delineate paragraphs because so much compressed text could overwhelm young readers.
IV. MY RECOMMENDATION
Author, illustrator A.J. Cosmo pens a charming tale for ages 4-8 that packs a triple punch. Its illustrations and witty dialogue will have children smiling as they learn to understand and accept people for being different.
June 9, 2016
Very cite story written for four to eight year olds that explores the issues and idiosyncrasies present in many families. The characters are squirrels with names like Brazil, Almond and Pistachio. Story revolves around a holiday gathering at Grandma Praline's house. Wally is asked to help with the presents. He has no objection until virtually every member of the family asks him to perform another task. He feels this is unfair. After all, his sister, Pistachio, is off counting birds and his cousin is spending the whole time on her mobile phone. Wally becomes exasperated when he discovers that after waiting all day to open presents, his gift is missing.
This book personifies the squirrels into characters of a dysfunctional human family. But doesn't every family have a few nuts?. In addition, the tale addresses the issue of autism in very simple terms for young children. Readers young and old will identify with one or more of the characters in their own family. Children learn the virtues of tolerance and accepting individual differences. Illustrations are lovely. Children in first and second grade will be able to read independently.
This book personifies the squirrels into characters of a dysfunctional human family. But doesn't every family have a few nuts?. In addition, the tale addresses the issue of autism in very simple terms for young children. Readers young and old will identify with one or more of the characters in their own family. Children learn the virtues of tolerance and accepting individual differences. Illustrations are lovely. Children in first and second grade will be able to read independently.
June 8, 2016
Good message
This is a good book for talking to children about differences among family members, friends, etc . It might have been helpful if there were more about the autistic cousin and his challenges. As it stands now, children might not understand why the cousin reacted the way he did. Overall though, it's a lovely little book about learning to value the people for who they are.
This is a good book for talking to children about differences among family members, friends, etc . It might have been helpful if there were more about the autistic cousin and his challenges. As it stands now, children might not understand why the cousin reacted the way he did. Overall though, it's a lovely little book about learning to value the people for who they are.
June 15, 2016
Wow! What a. very interesting story with a loving message,too!
I enjoyed this sweet and short story with a very good and loving message. Because of this cool message I would like to recommend this ebook for five stars and especially for kids 4-9. I received this ebook for free and in return, here is my honest review. Super job A.J.! Angela
I enjoyed this sweet and short story with a very good and loving message. Because of this cool message I would like to recommend this ebook for five stars and especially for kids 4-9. I received this ebook for free and in return, here is my honest review. Super job A.J.! Angela
June 17, 2016
Funny and quick story about family and understanding
Here is a cute story about the difficulties of being around family. Really is an 8 year old who travels to his grandmother's house for a family visit. Wally learns about being patient, helping, and listening and trying to understand your feelings. A wonderful grandmother character is included here to help Wally.
Here is a cute story about the difficulties of being around family. Really is an 8 year old who travels to his grandmother's house for a family visit. Wally learns about being patient, helping, and listening and trying to understand your feelings. A wonderful grandmother character is included here to help Wally.
July 29, 2016
Nutty but Nice
This is such a cute little book with a great ending, kids will want to read it again and again. Poor Wally thinks everyone is crazy and maybe they are, but they all live each other and that is what family is all about.
The humor is terrific and I loved all of the nutty names.
This is such a cute little book with a great ending, kids will want to read it again and again. Poor Wally thinks everyone is crazy and maybe they are, but they all live each other and that is what family is all about.
The humor is terrific and I loved all of the nutty names.
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September 18, 2020My 5 year old granddaughter loved this story.
This time is a very cute story, with all of the squirrel family members named for a different nut. My granddaughter especially enjoyed Praline, the grandma.
This time is a very cute story, with all of the squirrel family members named for a different nut. My granddaughter especially enjoyed Praline, the grandma.
June 17, 2016
Nine year old son approved.
My son read this book and liked it. He said our Christmas is like this! It's written from the perspective of a child during the holidays.
My son read this book and liked it. He said our Christmas is like this! It's written from the perspective of a child during the holidays.
July 2, 2016
Great book!
I feel sad for Walnut because he didn't have a present. Granny felt the book was funny and liked that they all had a nut name.
I feel sad for Walnut because he didn't have a present. Granny felt the book was funny and liked that they all had a nut name.
July 9, 2016
Good message told
I didn't like that Willy was so rude, but liked the overall message of the story. My kids were so excited to read this story with me.
I didn't like that Willy was so rude, but liked the overall message of the story. My kids were so excited to read this story with me.
August 12, 2016
Kinda nutty
We liked this book a lot because it had acorns and other nutty names and was about family love and relationships.
We liked this book a lot because it had acorns and other nutty names and was about family love and relationships.
December 5, 2023
A quick read
July 25, 2017
My children liked it. It is a bit silly but has a nice moral.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews