The Fireside Grown-Up Guides Make Adulting Easier

Though we may try and fight it, transitioning from childhood to adulthood is a necessary part of life for most of us. Indeed, adulting can be hard, but in order to lead a full, meaningful life—or at least one not under your parent’s roof—you have to figure it out.

“For me, it all came together when I was actually hungover and reading The Fireside Grown-Up Guide To The Hangover. I learned how important it is to sleep off a hangover, but not in front of your co-workers. And I enjoyed the loveliest little cautionary tale about Susan’s walk of shame.”

You have to grow up, at least to some degree. But adulthood can be a lonely, scary, soul-searching time, which you must seemingly navigate all on your own. Fortunately, that’s not the case at all; you’re not alone, thanks to The Fireside Grown-Up Guides.

The Grown-Up Guides parody classic children’s books. They’re basically Dick and Jane for would-be grown-ups. But funnier. And darker.

Though I was always under the impression we spoke pretty much the same language, the Fireside guides are actually the American adaptation of the U.K.’s best-selling Ladybird Books for Grown-Ups series. Regardless, the American version delivers simple, prudent advice and fables for adults who may be wondering how to deal with such grown-up situations as a hangover, a husband, a mother, or mindfulness. At least that’s what the first four volumes cover, while pairing easily-palatable parables with engaging, retro illustrations.

For me, it all came together when I was actually hungover and reading The Fireside Grown-Up Guide To The Hangover. With sweet, simple, deadpan storytelling, it filled me with childlike wonder while presenting helpful advice and interesting facts—true knowledge that can only be gleaned from going through it. As my headache waned, I learned how important it is to sleep off a hangover, but not in front of your co-workers. And I enjoyed the loveliest little cautionary tale about Susan’s walk of shame.

Pretty soon my hangover was gone. Sure, it may have also had something to do with all that Advil and bacon I ate, but still, I feel like the book really helped me accept my fate, and to find joy within it. My wife can only hope that my experience with The Fireside Grown-Up Guide To The Husband will have the same sort of helpful effects.

The first four The Fireside Grown-Up Guides go on sale October 11, for about $10 bucks a pop. Another four volumes are due out come Spring of 2017.