I'm Not Reading!

by Jonathan Allen

Overview

Adorable, irresistible Baby Owl (I'm Not Sleepy!) is back—and now in board! This time, he has a beloved book in hand and he's eager to begin. But then along comes Tiny Chick, who begs Baby Owl to read to him. Before you can say “once upon a time,” they're joined by a crowd: Tiny Chick's brothers and sisters and cousins and friends all want a story, too. Soon Baby Owl is smothered by lots of fluffy chicks. How can he EVER read? Fantastic fun with a favorite character.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781907967443
Publisher:	Boxer Books
Publication date:	03/05/2013
Series:	Baby Owl Series
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	11.10(w) x 8.70(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	3 - 5 Years

About the Author

Jonathan Allen has created many wonderful picture books for children, and his international success is based on his observant wit, appealing art, and childlike sense of fun. He lives happily in a quiet village in Cambridgeshire, England.

Editorial Reviews

Storytime is not for the faint of heart, as Baby Owl learns in his latest adventure. His attempt to read to his stuffed owl gets out of hand when a small yellow chick tries to listen in, quickly followed by his brothers, sisters, cousins, and more (“Just then, along came Tiny Chick’s school friends and their brothers and sisters and cousins”). Although Baby Owl ends up buried in chicks, some minor parental intervention handily sets things right. A somewhat slight but nonetheless entertaining story starring this easily rattled owl. Ages 3–5. (Mar.)

Publishers Weekly

PreS-Gr 2—In this sequel to Allen's I'm Not Ready! (2011), Baby Owl is ready to read a story to his stuffed animal, Owly. A tiny yellow chick asks to listen in. Baby Owl says he will read only if Tiny Chick promises to sit quietly and listen. Next, Tiny Chick's brothers, sisters, cousins, and school friends pile onto Baby Owl's head, lap, and the book itself. Cheeping and fluttering, pushing and shoving, the chicks completely invade his storytime space. Baby Owl tilts over backward and Owly ends up squished by loads of yellow fluff, beaks, and wriggly legs-completely preventing him reading. Dad comes to the rescue and brings order. Warm-bright, soft digital illustrations provide a cozy background, while goofy little chicks and a worrisome owl fill each spread. A cozy, reassuring ending hints at a perfect bedtime read for children. Readers will understand Baby Owl's toughest obstacle when it comes to reading aloud in a story circle and giggle at the rowdiness the chicks cause. This sweet, quick read is great for storytime and best paired with Allen's I'm Not Sleepy! (2010) and I'm Not Cute! (2005, all Boxer Bks.).—Krista Welz, The North Bergen Public Library, NJ

School Library Journal

Baby Owl's plan to read a story to his toy, Owly (not the delightful comic-book character, but adorable just the same), turns viral. Tiny Chick promises to sit quietly if he can listen also. But here come his brothers and sisters, followed by his cousins, all jumping on poor Baby Owl's lap, pushing and shoving and all but pulverizing him. He protests and demands quiet, but when even more chicks join in, all his good intentions are brought crashing down by the frightening over-exuberance of his audience, and he calls for help. Dad comes to the rescue, and along with the chicks' mom, he brings order to the chaos so Baby Owl can read the story without further ado. Allen's latest adventure starring the endearing Baby Owl displays a nice mix of charm and mayhem, but that moment when Owl disappears in the crowd of crazed chicks is downright terrifying. So what will young readers find here? Is it a lesson in the joys of reading or a warning about mob rule, at least as it pertains to demented chicks, or perhaps a homily about trusting wise and loving parents? It's all there, and Allen's sharp, bright digital cartoons make it all work. Even the endpapers are filled with those goofy little chicks, not appearing the least bit threatening. A sweet, cozy ending suggests a perfect bedtime story. Fun and reassuring. (Picture book. 3-6)

Kirkus Reviews

“. . . displays a nice mix of charm and mayhem . . . A sweet, cozy ending suggests a perfect bedtime story. Fun and reassuring.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Warm-bright, soft digital illustrations provide a cozy background . . . A cozy, reassuring ending hints at a perfect bedtime read for children. Readers will understand Baby Owl's toughest obstacle when it comes to reading aloud in a story circle and giggle at the rowdiness the chicks cause. This sweet, quick read is great for story time and best paired with Allen's I'm Not Sleepy! and I'm Not Cute!” —School Library Journal

From the Publisher