David Gets in Trouble

David Gets in Trouble

By David Shannon

The Blue Sky Press

Copyright 2002

pp.32

     The picture book David gets in Trouble by David Shannon sends a powerful message about making choices, taking responsibility, and saying, “I’m sorry” , to both children and adults. The cover of the book shows David sitting in “time out”, a common occurrence for many children. Next, the book opens to a beautifully illustrated title page from David’s point of view, a towering upset adult, which makes me wonder what he has been up to now.

     As the book continues, David is seen getting into trouble in various ways. Many of the situations are of his own making such as pulling the cat’s tail and skate boarding in the house. I believe these situations help the reader to stop and think about the choices people make. While viewing the pictures, I asked myself if David could have made a better choice and what would my response have been if my children had done that. David does get into some situations that can be considered accidents such as hitting the baseball through the window.  This helps the reader understand the importance of taking responsibility for his or her actions. This situation makes me think of the title page with the towering, upset adult and how hard it is for children or even adults to admit mistakes to an imposing authority figure.

     At the end of the book, David finally realizes the importance of owning his actions and admits he is sorry. His mother then comforts him as he goes to sleep. I feel this sends an important message about the power of forgiveness. I know, as a parent, I often get angry when my children do not make good choices, but I need to remember how comforting it is to them to hear that I will always love them no matter what they have done.

     In my opinion, David Gets in Trouble is a beautifully illustrated book that needs to be shared between adults and children, so they can both understand the effect their actions and words can have on other people.