Member Reviews
I received this book from NetGalley as an advanced copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
The illustrations were cute and matched the story well. Of course, this engages the reader/listener. That was a positive.
The story was mediocre. It seriously felt like we were reading the author’s struggle to create a book by a deadline, while he had writer’s block. In which case, kudos for getting something written.
It lacked action and a theme that connected reader to the story. The characters speaking to the audience was an unfortunate. This allowed the author to tell what characters were feeling and lacked showing them - lost potential for discovery.
The book was fair.
I love the books created by Timothy Young. I think we both have the same sense of humour and I always look forward to his newest endeavour.
"Untitled", is a quirky title that draws you into the book. It gets readers engaged right from front the cover. Strange title eh? Mmmmmm.... I wonder what that's all about?
A coatimundi (Carlos) and a capybara ( Ignatz) drive the narrative by discussing the limitations of the author's prowess. They discuss how the book has no plot or sense of adventure and suggest ways that they might write the story to make it exciting and really fun if it was up to them. They imagine battling dragons, monsters, or aliens. They think that if the author makes them cowboys and sets the story in the Old West that would be really cool. Or how about an undersea adventure? That would be super awesome!
The friends sit and wait for the author to get on with it. What's he doing? What's taking him so long? Ignatz admits boredom so far and with the lame title, "Untitled", the duo can't even guess what the storyline will be. Oh my! Silly author, he probably has not written a whole paragraph in his life and here they are waiting forever and at his mercy.
The illustrations are brilliant and the fun twist at the end begs for a sequel. I love that the author includes a tribute to beloved children's books with Ignaz and Carlos substituting for the original cast. It would be interesting to seek out the master copies and read them also - a new adventure for kids, and a trip down memory lane for an adult. This is a witty, humorous book that will tickle the funny bone of both young and old alike and is highly recommended. Another winner by Timothy Young.
This wasn't the best read for me. I can see the appeal of it and the concept was great, but I think it could have been better executed. I think many readers will find this book charming but for me, it just fell a bit flat. Its silly enough that I know alot of young kids will enjoy it but I do wish the 'story' was a little bit longer .
Such a cute little “story” where the two main characters try to figure out what their story is going to be about while also complaining about their author. I love the humor in it and think kids will also enjoy it!
I received an electronic ARC from Schiffer Publishing Ltd. through NetGalley.
Humorous story told from the characters' points of view while they wait for the author to create their story. There isn't even a title yet so they can figure out what will happen. One of them even becomes a different animal as they wait. Interesting ending that (hopefully) sets up a second book.
Young takes his characters on many journeys as they speculate about this book's adventure. They hope for action or originality. The humorous book covers and titles based on other stories will entertain adults and older readers.
A fun read aloud for elementary readers as well as a book they can enjoy on their own. Definitely humor for adults as well in the illustrations.
Can also be used to talk about the importance of the writing process - titles, plot outlines, etc.
Books that make you laugh are worth their weight in gold.
But it’s hard to put a price on books that put a smile on your face.
Untitled was cute, and a lot of fun. Really creative. It’s books like this that make me wish that I had a little one to read them to again.
Recommended.
<i>Thanks to NetGalley and Schiffer Publishing Ltd. for a copy in return for an honest review.</i>
Well, I’m not quite sure what to say about this one. I mean, obviously there wasn’t really a story line, but it was kinda quirky and funny. Would this appeal to a younger crowd? I’m not sure, but the artwork was awesome! Despite no particular plot, I liked it!
Very cute book! I like stories where the author's creations have knowledge of their creator and/or interact with them. Great illustrations and simple text. Kids will love this!
My kids and I enjoyed this book. The illustrations were fun and beautiful. We were all surprised by the ending!
As a librarian, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I felt like an insider with the humor. I knew every picture book that was strewn on the floor next to the bookcase and enjoyed the capybara twists. This book, partnered with an author visit by Timothy Young, would be the best way to share it with students!
Very funny and very cute. I love the direct character interaction and the lovely, but simple illustration. Daydreaming, conversational characters are the best. It definitely fits in with the trend in humorous picture books. I especially appreciated the spread that included "modified" versions of Reynolds "Creepy Carrots" and classics such as Babar. That was most certainly a nugget for parents and I believe it will go over well.
Untitled is a fun story about two characters who are controlled by their author. They are not sure if they like the writer of the story or if they just think he is silly. I can see this story being useful in a classroom when you teach about character thoughts and dialogue. The author does a nice job of sharing the characters' perspectives. However, I wish it had a bit more of a problem/solution or a lesson to the story.
You definitely have to have the right sense of humor for this, but I LOVED it! The illustrations are colorful, detailed, and add hilarity to the text, wherein a friendly coatimundi and porcupine-changed-into-capybara discuss the lack of plot and adventure in the book and detail what they wish they'd do. As a librarian, my favorite section was when they were in a library and all the classic titles were changed to include them ("Where the Capybaras Are" (Where the Wild Things Are), "Capybara vs. Bedtime" (Dinosaur vs. Bedtime), and my ultimate favorite: "Coatimundi in Undies" (instead of Fox in Socks)...I laughed way too hard at that last one!).
Untitled by Timothy Young will have your students cracking up! Similar to The Book With No Pictures, Claymates, and Elephant and Piggie books, the reader (or listeners) get to see what the characters are thinking and get an unexpected ending!
I love books that break the fourth wall and this book does it brilliantly. It's hilarious, interesting, and makes the reader remember that every story has an author. I really hope Young writes "Untitled Too!"
This is a fun book about what it takes to make a good story, at least from the perspective of the characters. The characters have all sorts of ideas about what the author and illustrator should be doing, but things don't go as plan when the author finally takes their advice. This book would be great when working with a group of kids who are making their own stories.
“Did you really just say OMG?”
“Sorry, he made me say it.”
Untitled is a laugh-out-loud hilarious short and cute Children's picture book where the characters aren't quite sure who they're supposed to be or what the author is trying to do with their plot. They might have a few ideas though. Maybe the sequel should be a choose-your-own adventure? 👀💞
For some reason Untitled reminded me of the old Nickelodeon cartoon, The Angry Beavers. 😂
***Thank you to Netgalley and Schiffer Publishing Ltd. for giving me the opportunity to read and review Untitled.***
This silly book is simply adorable! I know that my students would love it and cannot wait to share it with you. Thank you to #netgalley for sharing this arc! It would make a great addition to my library.
This book was so entertaining for me and my son. He’s a struggling reader and it’s always easier to get him to read to me if he likes the book he’s reading. We laughed and both hope we get to see what happens next. Great book for a kid who needs a laugh!
This book is a lot of fun and I hope there are more to come by this author with a similar feel. I thought that the book was funny and kept me laughing.