Don't Push the Button!

Don't Push the Button!
Bill Cotter
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2013
Reviewed from NetGalley
Audience:  Preschool
ISBN:  9781402287461
Publication Date: November 1, 2013


Larry is a star of a very simple picture book in which there is only one rule:  don't push the button.  That would be easier if the button weren't the real star of the show.  Larry speaks directly to the reader and asks, what could happen, just try it.  Then the real fun begins.  Readers must push, shake, and scratch their way out of trouble and help Larry get things back to normal.  And once they are normal again, you wouldn't want to push the button again, would you?

I personally love picture books that speak directly to the reader and ask for participation.  Some of my favorites include Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, Can You Make a Scary Face?, and The Monster at the End of This Book.  Larry is your  typical narrator since he tempts the reader, and tries to stop them at the same time.  The button is a large red button, just waiting to be pushed.  It's no wonder readers cannot resist its siren call.  Once the damage is done, all that's left to do is push it again and see what else happens.  How many times have I done just that?  Gee, pushing ESC on my computer didn't do anything.  I'll push it eight more times, maybe that will fix it!  

Don't Push the Button shines a light on every person's desire to break the rules.  This book will be great for one on one reading, with parents playfully pulling the child's hands away from the button, and great for storytimes, with librarians screaming in surprise when dozens of Larrys appear.  Pair it with the previously mentioned titles for a whole story time on rule breaking and the hilarious consequences.  

Happy Reading!