Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Read, Read, Read, said the Baby: Don't push the button! Let's say good night by Bill Cotter

  This is one of many spin-offs from the popular novelty book, Don't Push The Button! which is available in hardcover and board book format. The original book features a purple monster with blue horns, named Larry, who encourages the reader to follow him along in breaking the rules by "pushing the button" which turns him different colors and sizes, and eventually manages to get back to normal. Later books play out the interactive scene in different ways, with a "don't turn the page" scenario, and a number of holiday-themed board books.

This latest is a bedtime-themed version. Like all the books, the first spread features the button - a bright red pushbutton on a gray block, and Larry talking to the audience. It's time for bed but he's not sleepy, so suggests they push the button instead. However, pushing the button makes Larry extremely sleepy and the rest of the interactive actions in the book are organized around helping him get ready for bed. Readers help him put on his pajamas, brush his teeth, give him a hug, and cover him up in bed by turning the page.

This doesn't have the raucous amusement of the original; the only part of this book that really fits with that is the first spread. The rest of the images are fairly typical going to bed activities that can be found in many interactive bedtime stories.

Verdict: If you have a lot of kids familiar with Larry and his button, this is sure to be a popular bedtime story. However, it's not a necessary purchase and there are plenty of other options if the original is not in high-demand.

ISBN: 9781728220604; Published April 2021 by Sourcebooks Jabberworky; Purchased for the library

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