The Big Mess: A Deliciously Funny Story of Siblings Learning to Get Along

Welcome to the world of The Big Mess! This adventure-filled picture book from bestselling author Justin Whitmel Earley, Habits of the Household, is packed with humor, chaos, and of course, a big mess! This heartwarming and relatable story about two siblings who must learn to get along reminds readers that, no matter how messy, life is better when shared with the ones you love.

Follow along as big brother Mouse tries to bake the perfect dessert, only to be interrupted by his energetic yet clumsy, baby brother Moose. No matter how Mouse tries to avoid it, catastrophe strikes whenever Moose comes near, and every "perfect" dessert gets destroyed! Can Mouse learn how to navigate his relationship with his baby brother and come to appreciate Moose's uniqueness and spirit?

The Big Mess is:

• Filled with humor and lots of love
• A lesson in giving grace and being patient with one another
• The perfect family read-aloud for bedtime or anytime
• A helpful story for navigating sibling relationships and learning to enjoy and get along with others despite their differences

Written in engaging and fun rhyme and features illustrations by Janna Mattia.

Author: Justin Whitmel Earley
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Published: 05/06/2025
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 10.10h x 10.00w x 0.30d
ISBN: 9780310166375
Audience: Ages 4-8

About the Author
Mattia, Janna: - Janna Mattia is an illustrator from California who has a love for the natural world. She works primarily in traditional media, but feels just as at home working digitally. With a touch of nostalgia for the old classics and a spark of newness, Janna is devoted to creating memorable stories through high quality art. Her favorite mediums are watercolor and pencil. When not drawing, Janna can be found practicing guitar, hanging out with Mozart (a dog), or learning chess.

Earley, Justin Whitmel: -

Justin Whitmel Earley is a writer, speaker, and lawyer. He is the author of The Common Rule, Habits of the Household, and Made for People, though he spends most days running his business law practice. Through his writing and speaking, Justin empowers God's people to thrive through life-giving habits that form them in the love of God and neighbor. He continually explores both how physical habits are more spiritual than we think and how spiritual habits are more physical than we think. He lives with his wife and four boys in Richmond, Virginia, spends a lot of time around fires and porches with friends, and is a part-owner of a local gym. You can follow him online at justinwhitmelearley.com.