Don’t Push the Button

Don’t Push the Button written and illustrated by Bill Cotter (NewSouth Books)

BB RRP $12.99

ISBN 978-1-49261-964-2

Reviewed by Peta Biggin

Meet Larry. This is his book.  There’s only one rule in this book:  don’t push the button. The big, red, all-too-inviting button.  When the temptation gets too much and the button is pushed, things get a little crazy.  Getting everything back to normal is not easy but would it be such a bad thing to press the button again?

Don’t Push the Button is the debut picture book from American author/illustrator Bill Cotter.  Aimed at and ideal for pre-school aged kids, this is a playful and fun book. 

The storyline itself is pretty simple and the illustrations, although bright and colourful are also not excessive.  The novelty comes with the way the reader is invited into the story and to interact with the book; not with tabs or textures but with the actual book – shaking it, pressing the illustrated button.  It is a great way to engage young children, making them and the book itself an active part of telling the story.  The board format will also ensure that it is robust enough for energetic young hands.

Bill Cox is a children’s author/illustrator from the United States.  After completing studies in art and illustration in Baltimore, he taught both art and music in New York.  Eventually he put two and two together and started creating books.  He returned to his hometown where he spends his time drawing, playing music and daydreaming.  He can be found online at: http://www.cotterillustration.squarespace.com/