Once Upon a Pickup Time

4.0

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Author(s)

Johanna Lindemann

Co-Authors / Illustrators

Mareike Ammersken
Christian Maclean

Publisher Name

Floris Books

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

June 02, 2026

ISBN13

978-1782509578

ISBN10 or ASIN

Ben is always the last kid left at pickup time, and one day he invents an amazing tale to explain why. An energetic, imaginative story that will strike a chord with busy families.

Ben hates being the only one left at pickup time and it happens every single day. So one afternoon Ben tells his friends why his dad is always last: he's busy ruling over a kingdom full of treasure, snake-monsters, knights and robbers. Now all the children want to stay later at pickup time to hear Ben's amazing tale...

Editor review

1 review

Imaginative and Heartwarming Tale

April 23, 2026 (Updated: June 23, 2026)

Overall rating

4.0

Plot

4.0

Characters

4.0

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

4.0

Ben gets picked up last evey day and he is sad to see all the children leave before him. One day, Ben creates a imaginative tale about why his dad is always last to pick him up and now all the children want to stay late to hear Ben’s story.

What I Liked: This book begins by showing the various feelings that Ben goes through as everyone is picked up before him. The book highlights how Ben’s teacher tries to distract him by engaging with him as the others get picked up but how the children remind him that again he is last.

The illustrations throughout this book showcase diversity within families through the various people picking up the children. The imaginative tale that Ben creates regarding his dad being busy ruling a kingdom that has knights, snake-monsters, and more is brought to life with vibrant and detailed illustrations.

Final Verdict: Once Upon a Pickup Time is an imaginative and heartwarming story that is perfect for children who have busy guardians. Children ages 3 and up will enjoy this book and then want to create their own tales about where their guardians are while they wait for them at pickup.