Synopses & Reviews
Stars of Bravo TVs The Real Housewives of New York City, Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen, have a hit show and a great book, Little Kids, Big City, a lighthearted and critically acclaimed he-said, she-said rant, about their experiences raising their two young children in the Big Apple.
More of a Momoir (and Dadoir) covering the last 10 years of their lives, Alex and Simon write with a unique and humorous insight into the challenges facing parents today. They use their own hard-won experience as a springboard to discuss life before children and their determination not to have any, followed by their journey and eventual change of heart and the rollercoaster ride of having two children in two years in a seemingly non-child-friendly environment. Rather than a preachy, how-to guide, Simon and Alex take the reader on a romp through the indignities and surprises that befell them.
Their informative and often hair-raising stories of life in the concrete jungle make Little Kids, Big City a must-read for anyone who has ever had children, hated children or thought they might want to have them someday, as well as for any fan of their hit show.
Review
Alex McCord and Simon van Kempens surprisingly down to earth account of their early days of parenting in NYC is as remarkable in its honesty as it is in its detail.”
Cecily von Ziegesar, New York Times bestselling author of the Gossip Girl novels and mother of two at PS Fab.
"Alex and Simon don't take themselves too seriously which seems to be essential to parenting. Their fresh "he said she said" perspective on parenting is humorous and insightful.”
Bethenny Frankel, New York Times bestselling author of The Skinnygirl Dish: Easy Recipes for Your Naturally Thin Life
A fun and entertaining read with an over the top enthusiasm for family and the joys of raising kids in the city. They manage to share lessons without sounding preachy and maintain a humorous light tone.”
Alison Lowenstein, author of City Kid New York
"Little Kids, Big City is wonderful. Witty, funny, and interesting."
Divya Gugnani, host, Behind the Burner
Synopsis
As breakout stars of Bravos
The Real Housewives of New York City, Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen have inspired, infuriated, and entertained parents everywhere. Their new book continues that trend, with the added bonus of educating families dealing with the daunting task of raising children in an urban environment. Writing with unique and humorous insight into the challenges facing city parents today, Alex and Simon use their own hard-won experience as a springboard to discuss a host of parenting topics, including babys first six months, traveling with infants, hiring caregivers, disciplining, dealing with accidents, dining out, making the most of urban life, and scheduling time for non-urban escapes. Their informative and often hair-raising stories of life in the concrete jungle make
Little Kids, Big City a must-read for urban parents, as well as for any fan of the show.
About the Author
The married couple of Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen are first and foremost the proud parents of two wonderful and endlessly energetic and creative children, Johan and François. They also happen to star in the hit Bravo television show
The Real Housewives of New York City, where they all enjoy (or suffer at the hands of) a modicum of celebrity. Simon runs the upscale boutique Hotel Chandler in Manhattan while Alex writes freelance for parenting outlets and select blogs, including Mom Logic and The Huffington Post.