I Do Not Like Books Anymore! by Daisy Hirst - OPTIONAL

I Do Not Like Books Anymore! by Daisy Hirst. PICTURE BOOKS. Candlewick Press, 2018. $16. 9781536203349

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

A little red monster named Natalie has a brother named Alphonse and they love it when their parents read them books and tell them stories. Natalie is learning to read and is disappointed with the experience because the stories in the simple books are boring. When her brother asks her to read a book, she can’t understand the words and declares that she doesn’t like reading. Finally, she draws her own story and realizes that her story can be made into a book she can read.

This book was confusing at the point when Natalie shifts from reading books to creating her own book. The transition between the two involved Natalie playing with her toys and narrating what is going on. By the end you can tell what is going on, but it is unclear at the time. The audience this book may appeal to are those who are also frustrated learning to read, and, although you could argue it doesn’t exactly encourage perseverance, it does provide sympathy.     

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher