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The issue of the reality of FBOFW is more complex than might first appear to be the case. In one sense it is of course fictional: there is no real John or Elly or Michael and so on. These are characters developed by a real person, Lynn, and their existence is confined to ink on paper and, perhaps, animated media.

On the other hand, as has been pointed out, these fictional characters are also rooted in the actuality of real people, Lynn, her husband, her children and her friends. If not real themselves, they are certainly evolved from real models.

In addition, the situations depicted in the illustrated novel are permitted to advance in real time, not unreal, comic time. What is more, the family experiences depicted are, in themselves, grounded in the real experience of millions of real people in millions of real marriages and raising any number of millions of real children.

I think readers react so strongly because the very nature of FBOFW touches them in the living of their own very real lives, and raises issues for them that are, in fact, very real.

John P, Canada

Looking at the old strips is interesting. It is fun to see the strips that have inspired Ms. Johnston. In the old strips one can see the art style of "Peanuts", the shared struggle of the "four basic guilt groups" with "Cathy" and the marital animosity of "The Lockhorns".

Jennifer E, Albuquerque, NM

I love your stip. It makes me cry! I love farley he's so cute. I want a plush Farley! I think that the new-runs are a great idea. I don't care what anyone else says about them! Kudos to you!

Sock P, Ottawa, ON

Elly is pretty frumpy herself- she should not be giving fashion advice to anyone!

Amy S, NJ

Loved today's strip. That's just like a child. When Lizzie is upset because she wet her pants, Mike simply gets her wet all over. Playing in the sprinkler is fun and Mom doesn't know she had a bathroom accident. I can see my grandkids pulling a stunt like that. I've been enjoying the new/old format, but this is the first strip since the change to move me enough to make a comment. Keep up the good work Lynn. I'm still looking forward to your work

Nan B, Charleston, SC

Sunday's strip of Michael coming to Liz's rescue with a quick idea was sweet. It truly captures the heart and the logic of the child. When I was a kid, I cleaned up my messy clothing once by throwing it into the toilet and flushing. It was my logic that the spinning water of toilet would work like the spinning blades of a washing machine (which I was too small to use) and send the mess (not the clothing) down the drain. Like the character of Michael, my idea also seemed like the perfect solution to me.Having seen the Patterson children as adults, it's great to see them as kids again. :)

Elizabeth H, Guelph, ON

Isn't it nice to know that big brothers take care of their little sisters? No matter what their age.

Donna C, Gainesville, SC

What a helpful (?) big brother! And Lynn, this strip in particular is beautifully drawn and executed without a word exchanged. Brilliant!

Susan R, AZ