This Is a Serious Book

This is a very serious book. Nothing silly is allowed. There are no funny faces, no clowns, and definitely no shenanigans. A serious book is always respectful, and, of course, is always in black and white. But wait! Who’s this? Zebra might be black and white, but he is NOT serious. And he and his friends are ruining the book with their antics, parades, and parties!

This funny and irreverent book that pits its narrator against its characters in a hilarious way invites reader participation and encourages kids to think about writing their own books and stories—just as donkey does here in the end. A joyful page-turner of a book that celebrates writing and creativity and will appeal to fans of The Book With No Pictures.

Greetings. You are most welcome to turn the pages, but please note that this is a very serious book, and therefore there are rules.

Here are the rules:

1. Behave
2. Be quiet
3. No spilling
4. No laughing
5. No throwing
6. No chewing
7. No sharing
8. No drawing
9. Study
10. Learn

You are a serious reader, are you not?

“This is a great read-aloud that a storyteller can really play up; the statements are short, the narration builds up, and there is lots to laugh at. ...A seriously silly book brimming with opportunities for actively engaging storytime attendees.” - School Library Journal