The Totally Not Wicked Stepmother - by Samantha Berger (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Perhaps stepmothers aren't as cruel as folklore has led us to believe. When a child learns that their family is getting a new stepmother, they are skeptical. After all, Cinderella, Snow White, and Hansel and Gretel all had stepmothers who were "TOTALLY wicked" and "B-A-D." Surely the new stepmother, Holly, will be assigning arduous chores. But instead, she helps renovate the protagonist's bedroom, painting the ceiling blue to resemble the sky. And while fairy-tale stepmothers abandon their kids in the woods, Holly saves the day when the family is lost on a hiking trip. Though the child isn't entirely convinced of Holly's benevolence, the new stepmother continues to score points through gestures of affection, like putting notes in lunches, saving school artwork, and offering support after the protagonist sustains an injury. As the protagonist's trust in their stepmother grows, they try out new names for her, such as Stepster and Steppypants, before settling on Holly."--

Book Synopsis

From acclaimed author and three-time Emmy-nominated writer Samantha Berger and rising star illustrator Neha Rawat comes a hilarious and heartwarming story that follows a young girl as she learns that her new stepmother might not be as evil or wicked as she originally seems. Perfect for newly blended families and a celebration of stepmothers and stepchildren everywhere!

When I first met my stepmother, I was a little suspicious. All stepmothers are supposed to be wicked! Evil! Downright B-A-D BAD! Or at least, that's what the stories say. So I thought I knew just what to expect from mine.

But my stepmother didn't seem to be any of those things. She helped me paint my room. She left me notes in my lunchbox. She baked my favorite lemon squares. Is it possible I might have been wrong about stepmothers?

Review Quotes

Perhaps stepmothers aren't as cruel as folklore has led us to believe. This is a simple lesson, shared humorously and earnestly, about how fears and pre-judgments can shift with experience. Totally genuine and fills a gap by showcasing positive outcomes in blended families. -- Kirkus Reviews