The Book with No Pictures

by B J Novak (Author)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

Cleverly irreverent and irresistibly silly, this innovative and wildly funny read-along by Emmy]-winning writer and actor Novak (NBC's "The Office") is one that kids will beg to hear again and again.

(And parents will be happy to oblige).

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Publishers Weekly

Actor Novak's expert sense of comic timing is on full display in his first picture book, which, true to its title, only contains words on a white background. Different font types, sizes, and colors signal important changes in tone and voice to whomever is reading the story aloud (and the book's jokes rely on a readaloud setting). "It might seem like no fun to have someone read you a book with no pictures," Novak writes early in the book, his words set in a black serif font that all but demands a serious, James Earl Jones-style voice-over. Then the kicker: "Here is how books work. Everything the words say, the person reading the book has to say. No matter what." Cue sound effects ("BLUURF") and nonsense statements ("I am a monkey who taught myself to read") designed to make a laughingstock of the adult reader while keeping children howling, even as the reader's "voice" lodges its protests ("Wait a second--is this whole book a trick?"). A strong first showing for Novak that's sure to deliver big laughs. Ages 4-8. Agent: Richard Abate, 3 Arts Entertainment. (Aug.)

Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

School Library Journal

K-Gr 2--The actor (and writer, producer, and director) has penned his first picture book, but can it be called a picture book when there are no pictures? Entering the field of unique interactive books begging to be opened, including Herve Tullet's Press Here (Chronicle, 2011) and Adam Lehrhaupt's Warning: Do Not Open This Book! (S. & S., 2013), this title will instantly intrigue children. Upon opening the book, readers are drawn in ("Here is how books work: everything the words say, the person reading the book has to say. No matter what."). What follows is an uproariously raucous time, with readers being forced to utter nonsense words ("blork," "bluurf") and phrases that will have young listeners in stitches ("And my head is made of blueberry pizza."). Admittedly, there are no illustrations, but Novak has employed the use of various sizes of black typeface with expansive white space and color to highlight some of the text. This book is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, and it's perfect for one-on-one sharing with a parent or caregiver. Expect requests for repeated readings.--Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"Conceptually radical . . . making the refreshing and contrarian case that words alone have sensory and imaginative vibrancy to spare."—Mark Levine, The New York Times Book Review

* ""This book may not have pictures, but it's sure to inspire lots of conversations—and laughs . . . A riotously fresh take on breaking the fourth wall.""— Kirkus, starred review

"This book is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, and it's perfect for one-on-one sharing with a parent or caregiver. Expect requests for repeated readings."—School Library Journal

"Actor Novak's expert sense of comic timing is on full display in his first picture book . . . sure to deliver big laughs."— Publishers Weekly

"Listeners will be tickled by hearing adults say ridiculous things . . . The comic pacing and foolproof theatrics ensure a wild and silly trip through the pages for everyone."— The Horn Book

"This picture book with no pictures knows a thing or two about both books and kid-friendly comedy . . . Once children get the joke, they'll want to play it on as many of their grownups as possible."— The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Unlike any of the children's books you read growing up."— Bustle.com

"Will have little ones laughing and finding a new appreciation for words."— Entertainment Weekly

"A perfectly-pitched tool for parental humiliation and childish glee."— The Boston Globe

amazing book

B J Novak
B.J. Novak is well known for his work on NBC's Emmy Award-winning comedy series The Office as an actor, writer, director, and executive producer. He is also acclaimed for his standup comedy, his performances in motion pictures, and his New York Times bestselling book of short stories, One More Thing. A graduate of Harvard University with a degree in English and Spanish literature, B.J. lives in Los Angeles, California.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780803741713
Lexile Measure
490
Guided Reading Level
L
Publisher
Rocky Pond Books
Publication date
September 30, 2014
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV019000 - Juvenile Fiction | Humorous Stories
JUV009080 - Juvenile Fiction | Concepts | Words
Library of Congress categories
Humorous stories
Books and reading
Kentucky Bluegrass Award
Recommended 2016 - 2016
Buckaroo Book Award
Nominee 2015 - 2016
Charlotte Award
Nominee 2016 - 2016
Colorado Children's Book Award
Nominee 2016 - 2016
Alabama Camellia Award
Nominee 2015 - 2016

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