Review Detail

'This is a Serious Book' by Jodie Parachini and illustrated by Daniel Rieley is a cute children's book. From the inside cover, you are transported into the book by being made aware of its rules. They are all serious, as per the title, including how you must behave, stay quiet, restrain yourself from laughing, and be sure to learn, among others. Even though these rules are the first items a reader sees, it doesn't deter from continuing on in the book and seeing paw prints lining the title page.

The book is reminiscent of 'The Book with No Pictures" by B.J. Novak (which was published two years prior). Some might find themselves partial to that one, but 'This is a Serious Book' had illustrations, lightening the mood almost immediately. That is not to say that Novak's book didn't serve its purpose. It does a great job and comes highly recommended as well, but this one's use of pictures is less of a read-aloud and more of one that kids can read and laugh along with, likely without even having to have an adult present while they turn the pages.

The "main character" is a donkey whose facial expressions and activities make him stand out as quite the funny one. Eventually he brings into the story a zebra, snake, penguins, and monkeys who proceed to make a mess of the book. When he gives in at the end and decides to declare that the book is actually not so serious, readers can feel satisfied that they knew that all along. At this point, they will have shared in the donkey's adventures. He tried to impress upon his animal friends seriousness that never actually existed, from the moment he smiled and listed the things one is not allowed to do in this book. All the while, he gave examples of what he meant. His mischievous grin from the first few pages of the book proves that he wasn't so intent on keeping his promise of a "not so serious" book.