Bil Keane (1922–2011)

Erma Bombeck and Bil Keane have teamed up to provide a humorous glimpse into raising teenagers. What struck me most was that this book was written in 1971, and yet a lot of what was mentioned remains true today. Teens will always be embarrassed to be seen with their parents in public, dads will always be apprehensive about teaching their sons to drive, and moms will always feel like a child’s slave/maid/chauffer/secretary. Indeed, some of it is dated, such as a cartoon of a young lady show more lounging on the kitchen floor playing records through the telephone receiver to share with a friend. Today’s young person still shares music with friends, but now it is done via facebook, which doesn’t tie up a parent’s phone line or monopolize a kitchen floor. However, the information is presented in such a humorous and relatable way. This is still a fun read, and possibly a neat anthropological study into the recent past. show less

Remember the things Mother used to say? Erma Bombeck remembers them all and now she's using them on her own kids! With clever illustrations by Bil Keane, these really funny, too-true observations on family and kids and why it shouldn't work but does, is a wonderful antitdote to the daily problems and crises that every family faces. With Erma Bombeck in your corner, laughter is the best coach you can have....…

The book was first published in 1970 and the text and the illustrations are showing their age. Let's face it, the kids who where teenagers in it are now in their mid to late 40s. Of course with the 2000s being into the 1970s retro look and sound, maybe what's old is new.

That's not to say it wasn't a quick and enjoyable read and Bil Keane's illustrations are humorous too. I recommend flipping through the book once just to enjoy his illustrations. Imagine the Family Circus kids as hippy show more teenagers. Actually come to think of it, the Family Circus kids probably are actually in their mid to late forties as well. show less

Another fun book by Erma Bombeck in which she regails us with stories of motherhood. Is dated now but great look back on how things were and how some things never change. With illustrations done by Bill Keane of Family Circus comic fame.