Linda Ashman
Children's Book Author

"Carpenter produces a perfect visual expression of the collision of a testy temperament with polite society. Ashman's poetic portraits are packed with lots of tasty assonance and alliteration . . . and their mock-serious mood serves as a fine foil to the visual ruckus." Starred Review, Publishers Weekly

"'WARNING: This book contains obnoxious children. Read at your own risk!' or so declares the cover of this alphabetical catalog of bad behaviors. But only truly prudish parents are advised to explore no further, for Ashman and Carpenter have collaborated to truly hilarious effect. . . Carpenter's scribbled marker and watercolor depictions set the perfect tone for these creatively overexuberant children. Reluctant readers, parents of reluctant readers, and anyone who enjoys a good laugh will be drawn to this book." School Library Journal

"It's easy for kids to live vicariously through the ill-bred imps who inhabit these giddily chaotic pages. They might even remind you how much less awful their own real-life transgressions are. M is for Mischief is part etiquette primer, part ABC lesson, but subversive humor is at its heart. The wildly kinetic illustrations take the naughtiness to the next level--there's more life and energy on one page than in a typical half-hour animated cartoon. Some of the hellions in the book get their comeuppances in deliciously ironic ways, but others suffer no obvious consequences, which can lead parents and kids to an intriguing game of What Happens Next?" Cookie Magazine

"From Angry Abby to Zany Zelda, each eight-line rhyme in this energetic title has fun with the sounds of words, as well as their slapstick meaning. . . Each one of the verses tells a little story, and the climax often brings the child’s comeuppance. Young listeners will discover themselves not only in the young rebels but also in those who fight back and beat the naughty kids at their games. Though the words are the wonderful winners here, Carpenter’s rambunctious double-page pictures, rendered in watercolor and occasional collage, provide excellent comedic support." Booklist

"Linda Ashman does it again! She's written another book that children and parents alike will adore, this one laugh-out-loud funny and eerily familiar and full of brilliant rhyme and perfect word choice. . . Each page of this book is a treat, both in terms of the text and the illustrations. Readers who already love poetry will adore this book and readers who, generally speaking, are not into poetry will find this book to be an exception--they'll love it, too! I can't recommend it highly enough." Ethan's Bookshelf

"The illustrator of Jenny Offill’s 17 Things I’m Not Allowed To Do Anymore builds on a clear knack for depicting deceptively fresh-faced children with this extended alliterative gallery of malfeasants. From Angry Abby to hyperactive Zany Zelda, young folk act out in a broad range of ways—and often come to bad ends in consequence . . .[T]hese character portraits aren’t likely to change anyone’s behavior set, but they’ll certainly elicit nods of recognition, even from younger children." Kirkus

"This is not your ordinary ABC book of childhood verse. No, this is a hilarious read-aloud written in rhyme with a ton of alliteration and word play. . . Linda Ashman's website includes a terrific page on teaching ideas for this book." Bees Knees Reads