Warning: Do Not Open This Book! by Adam Lehrhaupt

Warning: Not Open This Book! by Adam Lehrhaupt (Author) and Matthew Forsythe (Illustrator) happily made its way home with us from the library today. Since then, the book has been read no less than ten times. (I know this because my oldest was counting each time I started the book over as my toddler kept shouting "Again!!")

This book hysterically warns readers to not open the book for fear of letting the monkeys out. However, Mr. Lehrhaupt obviously knows that the best way to get someone to read a book is by telling them not to read it. It worked for us. Not only was my toddler crying out to hear the book over and over, but my seven year old was also entertained.

The book uses muted colors, sparse words, and a seamless interplay between the illustrations and text to keep the reader playing along. It made reading the book feel like an activity instead of reading a story. Each time I slammed the book at the end to trap the animals my girls were in stitches laughing their heads off. It was the perfect read for my ornery little monkeys.

Our favorite page was where the narrator illustrates "The Plan" to trap the alligators, toucans and monkeys in the book. It is sketched out on graph paper with all sorts of arrows and instructions.

I personally liked how from the front cover to the back cover, every part of the physical book played into the story.

I am certain this book will be read constantly until we regretfully will have to return it to the library. However, I already know this one will be added to our wish list.

I would recommend pairing this books with We Are in a Book! (An Elephant and Piggie Book) by Mo Willems. Both books use narration to talk to the reader. My kids love being spoken to directly and drawn into the story as one of the players.

Do you have a favorite book that makes the book itself part of the story?