I Don’t Want to Read This Book

I Don’t Want to Read This Book by Max Greenfield, illustrated by Mike Lowery (Scholastic) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9781761202261

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

Have you read The Book with No Pictures one too many times? I Don’t Want to Read This Book runs along very similar lines: a humorous play on words, grammar, and books, from the perspective of someone who really does not like to read.  

Although this is a picture book and marketed at age 3 and above, it will fly straight over the head of any reader who hasn’t at least begun their independent reading journey - and sat through a few English lessons. There is obvious appeal for beginner battlers and reluctant readers, who will relate to the narrator. Yet confident readers will probably also enjoy the silliness of the book.

Every reader of the English language will enjoy the page complaining about the ‘b’ in the word ‘doubt’ (I mean, really, what is that doing there?). There are recurring jokes and plenty of puns. The text has had extensive graphic design attention, and there is enthusiastic use of colour, although the tones have a muted, retro feel.

This is a cracker book for lower-to-middle primary students to share with teachers, classmates, and families.