Virtual Book Tour Mrs. Gourd

ABOUT THE BOOK

Mrs. Gourd

 

Written by Jody Bucher

 

Illustrated by Monica Violet Joy & Asha Butler

 

Ages: 4+ | 40 Pages

 

Publisher: Ingram Spark (2026) | ISBN: Hardcover: 979-8-9894987-1-0 | Paperback: 979-8-9894987-0-3

 

Publisher’s Book Summary: Anyone who’s had to put children to bed knows how unpredictable the routine of bedtime can be. Enter—Mrs. Gourd. When Mom finds herself at her wits’ end, Mrs. Gourd’s unexpected arrival changes the course of bedtime—in a good way. Taking charge in her persnickety, silly way, Mrs. Gourd wrangles in bedtime, leaving the reader amused, and best of all, those little ones drifting off into dreamland. When all else fails, it’s Mrs. Gourd to the rescue!

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org

MY REVIEW

Has your household ever experienced “an exceptionally crazy bedtime”? Then perhaps you need to call in Mrs. Gourd for help. With her “snippety, persnickety, slightly British, and proper-sounding voice” she may be just what you need to wrangle everyone into bed.

Illustrations capture the hubbub of three children and two dogs all determined to stay awake and play rather than listen to Mom’s admonishments to settle down. When Mrs. Gourd appears, all action stops in a perfect freeze-frame image of kids and pets who had been bouncing on the bed poised in midair with wide-eyed looks of shock. And the frazzled mom in skirt and blouse is replaced by Mrs. Gourd in a power outfit of red dress and matching glasses. 

This transformation of Mom into the intimidating Mrs. Gourd has elements of Miss Nelson is Missing and even a dash of “Mrs. Doubtfire” in its DNA. Bedtime eventually happens and everyone is safely tucked in - but Mrs. Gourd’s work is not done. The last illustration shows a couple of doggos with guilty expressions surrounded by shredded paper and toppled houseplants. A delightful bedtime read-aloud sure to inspire giggles.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jody Bucher (Levar) learned to improv while tap dancing in her grandparents’ kitchen as a child. She has loved writing for as long as she can remember, but her life experience as a mom led her to write this, her first book. A working mom of three (a daughter and twin boys), she has channeled her artistic and linguistic talents as a brand-builder, copywriter, and creative director but considers her children her greatest work of art.

 

To learn more, visit www.mrsgourdbooks.com.

 

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TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, June 15, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Book List featuring Mrs. Gourd

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 Me Two Books Author Interview with Jody Bucher

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 The Starlit Path Instagram Reel about Mrs. Gourd

Thursday, June 18, 2026 The Fairview Review Book Review of Mrs. Gourd

Friday, June 19, 2026 Deliciously Savvy Book Review of Mrs. Gourd

Monday, June 22, 2026 Lisa’s Reading Book Review of Mrs. Gourd

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of Mrs. Gourd

Wednesday, June 24, 2026 Country Mamas With Kids Book Review of Mrs. Gourd

Thursday, June 25, 2026 @bored_military_wife Instagram Post about Mrs. Gourd

Friday, June 26, 2026 Little Free Library Mystery Network Instagram Post about Mrs. Gourd

Monday, June 29, 2026 @avainbookland Instagram Post about Mrs. Gourd

Tuesday, June 30, 2026 @meghenslittlelibrary Instagram Post about Mrs. Gourd

Wednesday, July 1, 2026 @nissa_the.bookworm Instagram Post about Mrs. Gourd

Thursday, July 2, 2026 Cover Lover Book Review Book Review of Mrs. Gourd

Friday, July 3, 2026 Crafty Moms Share Book Review of Mrs. Gourd

Monday, July 6, 2026 @MaryLanniReads Book Review of Mrs. Gourd

Tuesday, July 7, 2026 @thechildrensbookreview Instagram Reel of Mrs. Gourd

Wednesday, July 8, 2026 Sybrina’s Book Blog Guest Post about Mrs. Gourd

Thursday, July 9, 2026 Q&As with Deborah Kalb Author Interview with Jody Bucher

Friday, July 10, 2026 Confessions of a Book Addict Book Spotlight on Mrs. Gourd

Monday, July 13, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Author Interview with Jody Bucher

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Book Review of Mrs. Gourd

This post is sponsored by Jody Bucher. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.