I Can Explain

Ages 5 to 8

A laugh-out-loud picture book about bad habits from internationally acclaimed author-illustrator Shinsuke Yoshitake.

Nose picking? Nail biting? Wiping dirty hands on clothes? Before you call them "bad manners," consider the compelling reasons that may be behind these behaviors. For instance, jumping on the bed is great practice for when the road becomes a trampoline! Not being able to sit still might actually be the chair's fault! And what better way to train for the International Straw Chewing Contest than by chewing on straws?

This hilarious picture book unpacks the reasons behind a variety of relatable behaviors. Clever and creative, it will inspire children and parents alike to expand their powers of reason and view their own habits in a new, humorous, and—most importantly—forgiving light. After all, there's an explanation for everything!

ENCOURAGES CREATIVE THINKING: This humorous picture book encourages readers to laugh at their “bad habits.” Kids will delight in the narrator's endless explanations, which are at once hilarious, thoughtful, and absurd.

A UNIQUE TAKE ON MANNERS: Manners matter, but we are only human! Thought-provoking scenarios make for fun (and forgiving) conversations about our silliest tendencies.

PERFECT FOR REPEAT READS: With a comic-esque art style, an engaging story, a fast pace, and a charming voice, this humorous picture book will have young readers asking to read it again and again.

FROM AN AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR: Fans of the critically acclaimed picture books The Boring Book and There Must Be More Than That! will immediately recognize author-illustrator Shinsuke Yoshitake's signature illustration style, humor, and imaginative sensibility.

Perfect for:Fans of award-winning author-illustrator Shinsuke YoshitakeParents seeking a humorous book about mannersParents, grandparents, and caregivers

About the Author

Shinsuke Yoshitake is the author-illustrator of many award-winning picture books, including New York Times Notable Book There Must Be More Than That!, New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book The Boring Book, and I Can Be Anything. His books have been translated into more than ten languages. He lives in Japan.