Reviews

• “Following in the fantastic trend of interactive and wildly innovative books, this will rank among adored kid-pleasers like Hervé Tullet’s Press Here, and B. J. Novak’s The Book with No Pictures. Every page is a surprise, a treat, and a discovery. The book is predominantly text, but the steampunkish artistry is spectacular and full of whimsy, like a tiny, hipster-curated Etsy shop for kids. The whole experience is unexpected in the best possible way, and grown-ups are handed their role on a silver platter with no guesswork, just guaranteed success. While certainly any grown-up readers must sign off on being silly and performative to tackle this text, the payoff in enjoyment and pure kid giggles will be huge.”

• “[A]n experience that will make the children laugh out loud in their beds. Days that end with a laugh is always a good day and here is the key to success.”

• “I repeatedly have to laugh out loud at the author’s ingenuinity. /…/ I’m crazy about this concept. /…/ There is definite potential for this to become a classic!”

• “A book that is reluctant to be read offers one of the greatest reader’s experiences for children this fall.. /…/ One of the funniest children’s books out there. /…/ The Book That Did Not Want To Be Read is a book that can really have a long run. The cover of the book is beautiful and lavish – but I’m not sure if the spine will last all that long. Not because the book doesn’t seem sturdy – but rather because I imagine the kids will demand for this to be read again. And again. And again. And surely the glue, even in the world’s most obstinate book, cannot withstand that in the long run? /…/ This defiant and fittingly absurd book guarantees a fun reading-out-loud experience – especially if the adult manages to give into the story. And it’s hard to avoid getting carried away. David Sundin’s The Book That Did Not Want To Be Read is original, hilarious and encourages joy in reading. When the book, to top things off, ends with a lovely message to the reader, it can hardly get any better. Yes to more of these funny antics in children’s literature. Yes to more reluctant and strong-willed books. It makes for great entertainment.”

• “Genius: A truly funny read-out-loud bedside experience – not the least for the adults. /…/ The conventional bedtime story is here replaced by a full show, topped off with singing and humor. /…/ It’s no surprise that this book […] is already sold to more than 25 countries. Because the experience of reading this book is genuinely funny. And there is no risk whatsoever for dad falling asleep whilst reading this one.”

• “An extraordinarily lively, stubborn and completely magical picture book. /…/ [An] unusually funny picture book. /…/ Encourages interaction between readers and listeners”

• “The funny little tale of The Book That Did Not Want To Be Read is designed to charm its audience. A piece of art. /…/ David Sundin’s amusing work is a treat in itself when it comes to its execution.”

• “This book kept surprising and made us laugh. /…/ David Sundin has a great sense of humor, which is conveyed here. Unique, hilarious ideas are presented and the reader has to let their imagination run free – particularly the ‘fill in the gaps’ parts allow for much variation. I don’t want to give too much away, other than that you likely will be picking up The Book That Did Not Want To Be Read very often from now on. Congratulations!”

• “How I smiled while reading this book! /…/ A humorous and timeless picture book for all kids who need adults or others who know how to read in order to enjoy their books.”

• “Must be read despite every resistance the book will make.”

• “The kids squeal with laughter at the somersaults the book will perform in order not to be read – it makes up its own words, pretends to be a bird, changes all the Rs to Us… And the adult will feel an immense satisfaction in so effectively conveying the power of words.”

• “Adult readers aloud who enjoy giving a theatrical performance when sharing a book can have terrific fun with this, so too of course will young audiences.”

• “It’s not just the idea that’s good, but so also the particularly nice and playful execution thereof.”

• “I don’t know when we last had such a fun time at bedtime. Both I and the 3,5-year-old laugh out loud when the book tries to run off or when we have to help each other blow out the fire.”

• “This is an incredibly funny book meant to be read aloud.”

• “Enjoy this original picture book together! /…/ As an adult you will of course pull out all the stops when reading this book to your children, and you will experience hilarious moments while doing so!”

• “An incredibly funny and original read-out-loud book both for the children and for their parents.”

• “David Sundin has written a book that’s an invitation to laughter and play for children (…) and that offers an opportunity to spend time together whilst attempting to rein in this unruly book. /…/  Read it for heaven’s sake, if you can!”

• “A magical and ingenious reader’s experience. /…/ An original and lovable book, that you’ll want to be reading over and over again. /…/ True book-magic!”

• “This book is a recipe for laughter, bewilderment and coziness. /…/Packed with flair and fun layouts. /…/ For anyone in the mood for a hilarious and charming story. /…/ Hurry and get yourself a copy!”

• “A truly funny, joyful, captivating and empathetic picture book. /…/ [The Book That Did Not Want To Be Read] speaks to the reader, it speaks to its listener and is always on the child’s side. /…/ It stands out from the crowd of colourful picture books.”

• “If [The Book That Did Not Want To Be Read] doesn’t want to be read, it’s doing a really bad job keeping us away. It practically overflows with entertainment, challenges and interactivity between book, adult and child. /…/ The Book That Did Not Want To Be Read could easily become many children’s favorite book.”

• “David Sundin has written a children’s book that puts parents to work as they pull out their very best acting performances. The children are sure to be laughing out loud at the crazy antics that this book gets up to. This riot of a book is also perfect to read for the slightly older children who perhaps thinks reading isn’t quite their thing. A book that will make both readers and listeners enjoy themselves and come together for a lovely reading session. /…/ The Book That Did Not Want To Be Read is an incredibly funny and original book that will be enjoyed by both the children and their parents!”

• “What a joy you’ll have reading this book! /…/ [The Book That Did Not Want To Be Read] will have you laugh and marvel, it will surprise you and is rather exciting. /…/ In a nutshell a book for old and young to read again and again!”

• “A given favorite at our household this fall has been The Book That Did Not Want To Be Read by David Sundin. /…/We haven’t read the same children’s book this many times over [for many years].”