The protagonist, Clarice Bean, provides a humorous snapshot of her life and family. Despite the chaos around her—her little brother being utterly annoying, her big brother in the "dark tunnel of adolescence," and her grandad pouring soup on his cornflakes—Clarice finds solace in her own thoughts and observations. The book captures the essence of family life with its quirks and imperfections, all through Clarice's unique and entertaining perspective.