I Do Not Like Books Anymore! by Daisy Hirst
Published by Candlewick Press on November 20th 2018
ISBN: 1536203343
Pages: 32
Goodreads

Natalie and Alphonse just adore books until Natalie received her first reader in school.  To her eyes many of the letters and words look like scratches or animal tracks; she is unable to make sense of what is written on the page.  She is disappointed that the cat book lacks plot and believes she can do better. Together these adorable mini monsters do create their own picture book with Daddy’s help who writes what they dictate.

Learning to read can be difficult and the reality is that books for early readers usually lack plot or character definition.  Natalie may also be experiencing a learning disability which just makes the situation worse.   Credit goes to the author for exploring this normal frustration and to the parental figures who are sensitive to their offspring’s needs.

The illustrations are bold and show emotion with facial expression and actions.  Hirst’s work is fun and perfect for the intended audience. Librarians in primary school and public libraries should add this book to their picture book collection.  The real winners will be early readers who receive a copy of this book as a gift from an admiring adult.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME