Review Detail

I loved the title of this one as soon as I saw it whats not to like about 17 Things Im Not Allowed to Do Anymore? You can tell going in what kind of book it is going to be: fun, funny, and with a kid whos got a bit of a naughty streak.

The book delivers as promised and includes a repetitive hook that makes it especially suitable for younger listeners/readers:

I had an idea to show Joey Whipple my underpants.

I am not allowed to show Joey Whipple my underpants anymore.

The illustrations have a bit of a collage style to them that makes them visually interesting and engaging. I read it out loud to a group of 4 to 6 year-olds and they had fun pointing out different elements in the pictures (especially the flies in the ice cubes). The real life objects superimposed over the line drawings were very effective (can anything, by the way, make lima beans look good? I dont think so).

My one caution is that this is not a book that teaches a good lesson to kids. It is just for fun. Theres absolutely nothing wrong with that; there are tons of books I enjoy that are just for fun. I just add this as a caution because some parents go looking for lesson books. As the main character basically does a lot of naughty pranks throughout this book and is then unrepentant at the end, this is not a book for those parents. Sure, she says she is sorry, but only because she is allowed to say the opposite of what I mean forevermore, so shes not really sorry. Not to mention the ideas that kids might get from this book&if a lot of little brothers wind up with their hair stapled to their pillows, I think well know what to blame.

All that said, I found this one to be really adorable and the kids I read it to really enjoyed it as well. Recommended for readers up to age 7ish.