BOOK REVIEW: Do Not Open This Book by Andy Lee, illustrated by Heath McKenzie

BOOK REVIEW: Do Not Open This Book by Andy Lee, illustrated by Heath McKenzie

Lake Press
September 2016
Hardcover, $19.95
Reviewed by Steph O’Connell

Picture Book

8/10

This book will appeal to readers on a few different levels. 

• It’s by Andy Lee, of the humorous Hamish and Andy duo, known for their various radio and television shows.
• It’s illustrated by the prolific children’s illustrator, Heath McKenzie
• It has a little, blue monster dude begging the readers not to turn the page any further, not dissimilar to the Little Golden Book, There’s a Monster at the End of This Book.

In Grover’s book, he reads the title on the first page, and then realises the book will have a monster at the end. He panics and begs the reader to stop, because each page they turn brings him closer to the monster, and he’s terrified! (SPOILER ALERT: When we reach the end of the book, Grover realises that HE was the monster at the end of the book, and everyone has a good old laugh.)

My love of Grover started with that book, and so I had to pick up a copy of this new incarnation, complete with funny blue monster armed with his own ploys to stop the reader turning the page. 

It’s a cute story with simple but engaging illustrations, and a dialogue from the monster that is sure to have kids in fits of laughter. A great addition to any home library, but especially for those where mum and dad grew up with the Grover version.

Category: Book Reviews, Other Reviews