Come along with Roscoe & Ivy as they face a big mess. 

It’s time for Roscoe and Ivy to clean up! But when they look at the task in front of them, there is just NO WAY they can do it. The toys are jumbled and the dough is mixed up. They don’t even know where to start! Roscoe and Ivy must work as a team to tidy the room, even when they discover their clean up methods are different. If they do a good job, they might just catch a glimpse of the Clean-Up Monster… 

Most kids don’t enjoy cleaning up. For many neurodivergent kids, it goes beyond not wanting to put toys away. When there are several different activities, toys, books and games out, a lot of neurodivergent kids legitimately don’t know how to start.‍ ‍

Labeled bins (I prefer to use clear tubs with lids) help clarify where things go. But even then, the motivation to clean-up can be lacking. During the Covid lockdown, I tried everything to help motivate my kids to clear the floor. The labeled bins were helpful, but they needed something else. Many times, they would pick up most of the items and claim it was clean enough.

That’s where the Clean-Up Monster comes in!

Our Clean-Up Monster is named Bernice. She has big googly eyes and stunning eyelashes to match. The kids love when Bernice comes out, but she can only arrive when EVERYTHING is off of the floor. Then, we can play the Vacuum Game!

The Vacuum Game!

The Vacuum Game is very simple.

1) Make sure the floor is 100% clear

2) Set up “safe zones”. These can be ottomans, pillows, or anything your kid is able to jump onto to stay away from your Clean-Up Monster.

3) Let your kid know that if the Clean-Up Monster touches their feet 3 times, the Monster wins. If they can stay away, they win!

4) You can either vacuum normally OR if you have kids that really want a challenge, you can actively try to get them with the vacuum. In our house, Bernice can even lift up off the ground!

Note: If your kid is sensitive to loud sounds, you can either play the vacuum game with something silent like a broom or duster. Headphones can also be helpful if needed.

“Mama, with blue and brown hair, tan skin, and eyeglasses, warns her two small busy charges that it’s time to clean up. Ivy and Roscoe, both with tan skin and different shades of brown hair, are overwhelmed by the task. Roscoe puts away dough in a way that Ivy doesn’t like; Roscoe seems a little put out that Ivy insists on putting the correct lids on the correct containers. Signs on storage tell both children where the blocks and the stuffed animals go. Mama shows up with the “clean-up monster” aka the vacuum cleaner. Copy on the back explains that these organizational techniques were devised when the neurodivergent author learned that “caregiving strategies did not work for her neurodivergent family” and developed her own. The illustrations include clues as to what the strategies are for clean-up time. The subject matter is so familiar, but this take on it is refreshing and candid. It’s not “just” for neurodivergent families, but for anyone looking to pick up some tips.

VERDICT Board books don’t always come with an “essential” stamp, but this one is.”

-School Library Journal, November 2025

“Siblings Ivy and Roscoe are busy playing until Mama—with vibrant blue hair and tattooed arms—enters the room and announces that it’s time to clean up. Initially, the kids don’t know where to start, but they soon find their rhythm, placing toys into labeled bins. Ivy, who likes for everything to be in its proper place, finds a creative solution when their blended modeling dough no longer matches the colors on the storage jars. Next, Mom returns with the clean-up monster—the vacuum! Created by a neurodivergent author and illustrator, this upbeat and inclusive board book incorporates subtle nods to neurodivergence in its clean-up strategies and artwork.”

‍ — Booklist, November 2025