I Don’t Want to Read This Book

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

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

I Don’t Want to Read This Book is a fun picture book dedicated ‘to kids who don’t like to read books.’ An irritated narrator talks directly to the audience about all the reasons they hate reading books… including this book! They highlight all the troublesome features of books, for example; lots of words, sentences and exhausting paragraphs. They are also frustrated by silly words with silent letters, ridiculous words with irrational meanings and the always predictable last page. Quite frankly, there are more important things to do than read a book.

This playful book is suitable for children aged 4-8 years old. No doubt, many reluctant readers will identify with the narrator and get a giggle out of the exaggerated display of disdain for books. The myriad of fonts, colours and page layouts will also keep the young audience engaged.

Fun fact: the author of this book, Max Greenfield, plays the character of Schmidt in the ‘New Girl’ comedy television series, as well as numerous other television and movie roles.

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.