This book is SO clever! A range of animals are made to be famous authors - via some really clever and cute literary puns. Not only is this clever for children but also adults too - the illustrations are gorgeous and William Shakesbear searches along the way for inspiration for his new play. I loved Chicktor Hugo. The ideas the characters give William bear semblance to the stories they write which added to the fun.
Loved this. Highly recommended.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me free access to the digital advanced copy of this book.

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* This is soooooo freaking cute! omg i don't even have kids and will buy this!

As a teacher who is constantly encouraging her young students to develop a love for reading, this book is great! The introduction to literary characters and their greatness is too good and the pictures are perfect!

I had a great time reading this book. The illustrations were beautiful and helped bring these characters to vivid life. The story was a fun one to watch unfold as we met some pretty cool looking characters. I think most kids will have a blast reading this book.

Absolutely inventive. Zondervan truly took my family on a reading adventure that I was not prepared for. The illustrations on the book have a whimsical charm that I remember seeing in my own books as a child. With names like Yak Kerouac and Langston Mews, you know you are in for a literary adventure unlike another. The book is interactive and puts the reader in the story as well. This book is a fantastic start to get little ones on the path to learning about the literary greats.

Absolutely brilliant book, will fast become a favourite!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.

Interesting concept and fun illustrations! Great for well read kids and adults. William Shakesbear, is looking for inspiration for a new play and goes looking for inspiration from his literary friends. They are all associated with a famous authors and have punny names!

It's hard to believe, but even William Shakesbear occasionally has a spell of writer's block, and needs to visit his pals in search of inspiration. Luckily, he knows such literary luminaries as C.S. Shrewis, Crane Austen, Charles Chickens, and Wagatha Christie. They share their own advice for finding ideas that get those creative juices flowing, none more lovely than this thought:

"You have flowers at your feet and stars above you . . . what better inspiration could you ask for?"

I loved this fun book. The author's illustrations are delightful. I suspect adults may enjoy this one more than kids, but I'm sure they'll bear up for repeated readings.

Literary Critters is a cute book. Literary Critters tells the story of William Shakesbear, writer who has writer’s block and decides to go to his friends for writing inspiration before he goes into hibernation. William Shakesbear’s friends encourage him and tell him of what they are writing or creating before he goes into hibernation. This is such a fun read, especially when the character’s names are a take on famous Authors names. I highly recommend this book and believe it would be a perfect book to read in any setting. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. My review is also on Goodreads.

This book was an absolute delight. The book provides children with a lovely introduction to many classic authors, and it is also a joy for bookish parents who will love the references to so many beloved authors.

The illustrations were lovely, and I would love to get a hard copy for my children!

Thank you. Zondervan, for the opportunity to read this book!

Thanks to ZonderKidz and NetGalley for letting me review this book. The illustrations were great and the word play on famous authors’ names was a great touch. I liked how the pictures hinted at what the real authors’ works were. I think this’ll definitely get kids interested in reading and learning more about the famous authors and their works from reading this book.

Oh my STARSSSS, this book is SO. CUTE. I can’t get over the literary puns and the beautiful illustrations.

Literary Critters tells the story of William ShakesBEAR trying to find inspiration for his next play from his friends, Edgar Talon Crow, C.S. Shrewis, Wagatha Christie, and more. The reader also receives a certificate as an official honorary member of the Literary Critters Guild, which is just adorable. Parents will love reading this book with their children, and it’s a must have for any children’s library! Seriously SO. CUTE.

Thank you NetGalley and Zonderkidz-Books for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is a punny delight of a book! I look forward to using it in my classroom to see which references students pick up on. Creative, cute, and imaginative.

This was truly delightful. Already the story was so wonderful, BUT THE PUNS! THE PUNS, MY DEAR BOY! CRANE AUSTEN. T.S, ELEPHANT. LANGSTON MEWS. LORIS CARROLL. I simply could not. Each one sent me giggling again and again. Same with the references to their books. It was truly a literary smorgasbord of joy.

Literary Critters: William Shakesbear’s Journey for Inspiration by Zondervan, 32 pages. PICTURE BOOK. Zonderkidz, 2022. $18.
Content: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
William Shakesbear is out of ideas and needs help! Hopefully, visiting his friends from the Literary Critters Guild will inspire William before he goes into hibernation.
A cute story that is as much about entertaining adults with references to classic authors in the text and illustrations as it is about encouraging young readers to write. Edgar Talon Crow is definitely my favorite reference. After chuckling my way through this book, I’m ready to find an idea of my own to write about and thus join the ranks of the Literary Critters Guild.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

I absolutely loved this book. The art was beautiful and the story was so fun. It’s a great way to teach children about literary figures. I will be purchasing for my classroom

A delightful way to introduce young readers to classic authors. Following William Shakesbear on his journey for inspiration before hibernation, you catch everyone from CS Shrewis to Wagatha Christie, to even Langston Mews. I cannot wait to share this with my daughter, but more importantly the rest of our community by recommending for purchase at our library.

Follow William Shakesbear as he visits fellow members of the Literary Critter Guild. William is looking for inspiration as he visits Mole Dahl, C.S. Shrewis, Crane Austen and more. This delightful book is sure to inspire our young readers to look up and subsequently enjoy many classic authors. The illustrations are beautiful, the story is charming, and the puns are fantastic. I look forward to adding this picture book to my elementary library!
Thank you to NetGalley and Zonderkidz for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

I received an electronic ARC from Zonderkidz through NetGalley.
Readers of all ages will appreciate this story. Younger readers will enjoy watching William ShakesBEAR visit friends to get help with an idea for his next play. More mature readers will appreciate the play on various authors' names and will search the illustrations for more references to their work. The artwork is welcoming and pulls readers in to enjoy the day with these animals. Terrific book to encourage readers to try writing themselves and join the Literary Critters Guild.