posted on 09 May 2024

Too Nice by Sally Nicholls

One of the most enduring tropes in the world of fairy tales and children’s literature is that of the wicked stepmother. We are accustomed to stories of scheming, amoral women who inveigle their way into a family in order to dominate and exploit their new – usually weak – husbands and scheme to do away with the children of the previously happy marriage in some way or another. More often than not, the child who is the focus of the stepmother’s hatred is a girl and, jealousy, explicit or implicit, is often the suggested motive.

This image of the wicked stepmother has, of course, been the subject of considerable study and comment by students and aficionados of children’s literature and this is probably not the place to delve too deeply into the theories that have been generated about the social causes and consequences this stereotype represents. What is more consequential to this new book by Sally Nicholls is to consider what happens if this idea of the wicked stepmother is turned on its head. What if the putative stepmother is just too nice?

Abby’s mom died when she was young and so she’s developed a comfortable and emotionally close relationship with her dad. But now someone new is coming into the family – Jen, dad’s new girlfriend. And, Abby has to admit, Jen is really nice – too nice. Abby can’t help but think Jen’s constant chatter and praise is forced and feels fake – it is making her feel suffocated.

Abby’s friend Halima also has a stepmother but she’s much more ‘normal’ and behaves in some ways more like a real mom and not trying to be liked all the time. Abby wishes Jen was more like this and slowly she starts to become confrontational and bratty whenever she speak to Jen. This really upsets her dad and when the two finally talk to each other truthfully, he tells Abby that what she feels is Jen's constant smothering attitude is the result of her being terribly nervous and desperately wanting to be liked.

So, Abby has to confront a new reality – yes, adults can be socially nervous and awkward too!

Will this new family find a way through all these teething troubles? Will Abby and Jen find common ground? Well, you’ll have to get a copy of your own to find out.

Published by Barrington Stoke, who specialise in making stories accessible by youngsters who are reluctant to read (this one is guided for a reading age of 8+). You will be able to get your copy from your local independent bookshop – who will be able to order it for you if they don’t have copies on the shelf.

 

Terry Potter

May 2024