> At a Glance
> – Montclair kindergartner Scout Haskel crafted a fully illustrated cautionary tale titled “The Kid Who Drank Wine”
> – The book details a child defying mom’s no-wine rule and ends with the line: “I don’t feel good, mommy”
> – Scout’s parents, both comedy writers, posted a dramatic reading that drew viral praise and demands for a sequel
> – Why it matters: A funny reminder that kids absorb adult conversations-and can turn them into unexpected art
A handmade holiday gift from a New Jersey six-year-old became an internet sensation when her picture book about sneaking wine hit social media.
How the Book Was Born
Scout created the story while visiting her grandparents in Montclair. She quietly asked relatives for spelling help, then surprised the family with a bound mini-book.
Mom Bethany Hall recalls:
> “We were on the floor laughing. Every night my mom and I have a glass of wine and gossip-Scout clearly took notes.”
Viral Reading
Hall, a comedy writer, filmed herself reading the book in librarian style and posted it to Instagram. The clip shows:
- A bright crayon cover
- Simple but sequential art
- A clear moral: drink wine = feel awful
Viewers praised the narrative arc:
> “It had a beginning, middle and end. The theme stayed present. I think she’d sell well.”
Others predicted big things:
> “I smell a Pulitzer.”
Sequel Already Done
The online clamor for more content didn’t disappoint. The next day Scout delivered:
- Title: “The Kid Who Drank Coffee!”
- Same format: drawings + warning
- Family already bracing for caffeine chaos
Key Takeaways
- Scout Haskel turned eavesdropping into a creative project
- Her parents’ viral post showcases kids’ storytelling potential
- A second book proves one viral hit can spark a series
Expect Montclair’s newest author to keep the mini-library growing.
