Wit and humor are featured in this book that challenges a child’s intuitive response.
Mr. Fox’s Game of “NO!” by David LaRochelle and illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka. Candlewick, 2024. 40 pages.
- Reading Level: Picture books, ages 4-8
- Recommended For: Ages 4-8
“That’s a good book. It’s funny.”
“Oh, yeah. We bought it, right?”
Those comments were from my boys today. The first time I read it aloud when we were sick and miserable…oh, the relief of giggles!
David LaRochelle knows how to play with younger children through witty stories. In Mr. Fox’s Game of “No!” the reader/listener must answer every one of Mr. Fox’s questions with “no,” or else pay the penalty of going all the way back to the beginning and starting the book over.
It isn’t easy. Some of the questions are subtle. Other times the offers are hard to refuse (but good to practice doing so!), downright contrary in a silly way, or threaten slobbery results. It’s all okay in the end. Some children will choose to say yes just to hear it over and over again. Some will answer no through a horror of giggles. It’s all in fun, a good exercise of the will while not taking the game too seriously. Wohnoutka also illustrated See the Cat and How to Apologize and uses the same warm and soft palette for Mr. Fox with plenty of white space, cheerful animal characters, and good humor.
Fans of Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus will love this one.
Bottom Line: Playful and surprising, Mr. Fox’s Book of “NO!” brings challenge and delight to the reader.
Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader
- Book Review: See the Cat is an easy reader with similar contrary and humorous appeal
- Book Review: How about a dragon? The Best Pet of All offers an interesting twist on the can-I-get-a-pet parent-convincing-challenge.
- Book Reviews: Is there a way NOT to apologize? Yes, and there is a better way to do it.
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