The Book That No One Wanted to Read by Richard Ayoade, Tor Freeman
Published by Walker Books US on March 14, 2023
ISBN: 153622216X
Pages: 128
Genres: Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads

A heavily illustrated “conversation” between the book being read and You, the reader (narration is in second person). Format changes continually throughout the book – from prose to graphics to dialogue between Reader and Book. Wordplay, puns and stream-of-consciousness passages, many of which are silly (and a few of which are informative, such as explaining what a footnote is by creating a humorous example of one) keep the reader on their intellectual toes.

A middle grade reader, particularly a reluctant one who enjoys the use of illustrations to tell parts of the story and is sophisticated enough to find the humor in the wordplay, will likely enjoy the quirky humor and playful formatting.

Four stars, primarily for the creativity and offbeat format, and the illustrations. Not a must-have, but certainly might find itself popular simply for being different.

Reviewed by: Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta