I'm Not Millie! by Mark Pett
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on November 26, 2019
ISBN: 1101937947
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
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Millie denies her own existence every time her parent tries to tweak her behavior, whether eating at the table, playing in the house, or getting ready for bed.

Each spread has a speech bubble on the left showing the adult’s words (the adult is never shown, allowing for various interpretations). The opposing page shows an animal matched with a characteristic: a dawdling child could be a tortoise, a splashing (in the tub) child could be a dolphin. Each animal declares in some variation of “I’m not Millie!”. Large simple font is easy to read. 

The animals are drawn in realistic style. Each background shows just enough detail to identify the room in which the action is taking place.

The text, all dialogue between parent and child, builds to a very satisfying ending as Millie finally reveals her true self when tempted by bubble gum ice cream. 

Preschoolers will see themselves trying to evade the inevitable bedtime.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town