My kids loved this! I think I read it ten or so times in a single night. The passages were hilarious, and the illustrations caused a roar of giggles.

This book was wonderful. However, it needs a different cover. The cover is kind of boring and looks self-published, but the illustrations found within the pages are amazing. Kids will want to read and see this book once you give them something to draw them in.

I received a copy of this book from netGalley for a honest review.

I loved this silly, whimsical picture book! Everything you could want is definitely not in this book. . wink. wink.

I thought that this was a really fun story!

The book was well written and it was a fun read for kids.

I liked the flow to the story and the different ways that it explained that the book was not for the reader!

The illustrations were very good and they worked well with the story to bring it to life.

It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!

Thank you NetGalley! What a super cute story! Such a quirky and funny read. I adored the illustrations. My kids will love this

Howard Pearlstein’s *This Book is Not For You*, illustrated by Susanna Covelli, is a brilliant romp through the world of humor and irony, delightfully skewering the conventional wisdom of children's books. Received as an ARC from NetGalley, this picture book defies expectations with its dynamic blend of storytelling and illustration. From the first page, Pearlstein captures readers with an irreverent narrator who insists that this book is, indeed, "not for you." The narrator—a grumpy, mustachioed fellow with a Hercule Poirot-like flair—bemoans the book's content, claiming it is devoid of anything a child could possibly find appealing. No monsters, no ninjas, no aliens—just an endless litany of what makes a book decidedly uninteresting for young readers. Howard Pearlstein’s narrative voice is hilariously out of touch, adding a layer of comedic detachment as the narrator remains oblivious to the vibrant, lively action happening around him. Enter Susanna Covelli’s illustrations, which are a marvel of contrast. The illustrations burst with the very elements the narrator decries: monsters, aliens, and outrageous antics that are the exact opposite of "not cool" or "not silly." The magic of this book lies in its meta-humor and visual storytelling. As the narrator grumbles, the illustrations depict a chaotic world brimming with excitement—monsters pop out from behind the pages, aliens dance, and adventures unfold with a gusto that the narrator fails to notice. It’s a delightful commentary on the mismatch between adult expectations and children's genuine interests. This book is a perfect read for children aged 6-9 years old, engaging them in a playful interaction with the text and illustrations. It’s the kind of book I would have happily shared during my library school visits, as it promises fun and interaction in spades.
*This Book is Not For You* is a cleverly crafted, interactive experience that turns the idea of a “boring book” on its head, making it a must-read for any child who enjoys a good laugh at grown-ups' expense.

My kids and I absolutely adored this book! The story is quirky and easy to read. The real show stopper is the illustrations which were gorgeous!

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

This Book is Not For You is a children's picture book with a narrator explaining to the reader/child why this book is not for them. He explains there's no funny bits, no gross bits, no monsters, aliens, festivities, cuteness etc and every time he's saying what's not in the book, these things appear behind him (a bit like a pantomime "it's behind you"). Young children will delight at this story from the funny scenes behind him, but I do feel this will be a bit hit and miss with children. The illustrations are fantastic and very detailed with a blend of colours, and the concept of the book is different from the usual types of children's stories.

‘This Book Is Not for You’ by Howard Pearlstein is a delightful and cleverly crafted picture book that turns the typical reading experience on its head. With an engagingly humorous narrative and dynamic illustrations, the book invites readers into a world where the story hilariously contradicts itself.

Plot: ★★★★☆
The plot of ‘This Book Is Not for You’ is both inventive and entertaining. Pearlstein’s narrative cleverly subverts expectations, using an oblivious narrator to humorously explain why the book is not intended for kids. The story is packed with humorous contradictions and playful elements, making it a fun and engaging read.

Character: ★★★★☆
The characters, particularly the narrator and his anxious dog, are portrayed with charm and wit. The narrator’s demeanour creates a comical contrast with the whimsical illustrations that pop with monsters, aliens, and other fantastical elements.

Illustrations: ★★★★☆
The illustrations are vibrant and lively, playing a crucial role in the book’s humour. The dynamic and playful artwork contrasts hilariously with the narrator’s dour explanations, enriching the reading experience. The illustrations bring the story’s imaginative elements to life, making the book visually appealing and entertaining.

Engagement: ★★★★☆
‘This Book Is Not for You’ excels in keeping readers engaged with its humorous and interactive approach. The book’s playful tone and the contrast between the narrator’s words and the illustrations create a highly engaging reading experience. It invites readers to question the narrator’s assertions and enjoy the visual surprises on each page.

Readability: ★★★★☆
The readability of the book is excellent, with a narrative style that is accessible and enjoyable for its target audience. The text flows smoothly, and Pearlstein’s humorous voice makes it an easy and entertaining read. The book is well-structured, with clear language and engaging content that appeals to both children and adults.

Enjoyment: ★★★★☆
‘This Book Is Not for You’ is a highly enjoyable read, offering a blend of humour, creativity, and visual delight. The clever narrative, combined with lively illustrations, ensures that readers will find the book both amusing and satisfying. It’s a fun addition to any bookshelf and a great choice for readers looking for something unique and entertaining.


Howard Pearlstein’s ‘This Book Is Not for You’ is a charming and inventive picture book that stands out for its humorous narrative and dynamic illustrations. With a cleverly subverted plot, engaging characters, and lively artwork, it offers a delightful reading experience. The book’s playful approach and engaging content make it a must-read for those who enjoy a good laugh and a touch of creativity in their stories.

This was a funny book. Loved the story and the pictures. Even though it says "This book is not for you" it is for you! And I definitely loved the ending.

Thank you, Netgalley, for allowing me to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own.

The words used in this book brought me so much joy. Poppycock, shenanigans, and more! Highly recommend this book for all kids, even if it is not for them, I think they will love it.

“Are you a kid? Are you reading this book? If so, drop it like a hot potato. Seriously, skipper. THIS BOOK IS NOT FOR YOU.”

This Book is Not For You is a hilarious new release written by Howard Pearlstein and illustrated by the talented Susanna Covelli that is full of contradictions. This children’s book tells you through its title exactly what it is, or rather, what it isn’t. The novel follows a mustachioed narrator and his similarly mustachioed dog. The narrator claims that this book will not be funny, nor gross, nor action-packed, despite the illustrations depicting exactly that. The narrator seems to be entirely aloof from the wild occurrences around him, including ninjas, monsters, zombies, and aliens, all illustrated to perfection by Covelli. The illustrations help guide the loose plot of this book, but, in the end, it all ties together with a perfect twist.

While I often gravitate towards picture books focused on teaching a life lesson, Pearlstein managed to catch my attention with a book that focuses on style over substance. This Book is Not For You is a quick read that will surely have children laughing and pointing, not only because of the intricate and quirky illustrations, but also because of the narrator’s fourth wall breaking and serious attitude problem. What the story lacks in plot and diversity, it makes up for with its creativity and irony. This book was a fun read that will surely inspire children to want to write their own book or even draw the different silly creatures pictured throughout, including but not limited to a boxing beaver, a golfing goat, and even hula-hooping hippos. This book pulls from different styles found in other books and typical children’s books tropes to create a motley assortment of ideas upon every page. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and believe that younger children will find it both funny and stimulating in terms of writing style and illustrations. While it is not a book that is as interesting upon a second read, I would recommend this book to any child who loves to admire picture book illustrations and laugh with a completely oblivious narrator.

Pine Reads Review would like to thank Netgalley and Familius for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.

A brightly coloured, wonderfully illustrated picture book, that's definitely NOT for you!
Perfect for kids and adults alike.

I recieved an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. It's a hysterical picture book for kids with gross things that kids love, like picking noses. The "author or reader" keeps reminding you that you're not supposed to read this book. I like the illustrations.

🧌 This is a peculiar book because it claims it isn’t meant for kids. The narrator insists that it contains nothing of interest to young readers – no monsters, no aliens, no zombies, nothing! Plus, there is no grossness, humor, or anything cool! The book seems to be very boring, right?

👽 But here is the twist! The amazing illustrations disprove that this is a mundane book because each page is bursting with all the things the narrator said would not be there! There are monsters, aliens, and zombies (and more!) on each page! And apparently, the narrator’s little dog is the only one who can see them!

🧟‍♂️ The illustrations are truly what make this book fantastic!!

👻 At the end of the book the narrator finally tells us who this book is for, and it was a surprising and fun revelation!

🛸 Kids will love this book!

Thank you @Netgalley and @FamiliusBooks for a copy of this book, which I have read and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

What a pleasantly delightful book! I enjoyed the illustrations and the contradictory sense of the book, but I know kids will love it too!

Hilarious for the adults and the kids! Amazing artwork paired with great storytelling makes for a great book, I found myself really taking time to inspect the pictures to see what was happening and the snarky storyteller is sure to win you over. What a great book to enjoy with your family. Thanks NETGALLEY for the ARC!

Cool illustrations, funny concept, entertaining for kids. I believe the title itself would trick many little readers into picking it up and finding out why in the world it isn't for them!

Eek this book is so much fun!! You know when you tell kids NOT to do something and they do it anyways. Well, this is exactly what this book does. This Book is Not for You tempts the curious to continue to read to find out why it’s not for them. The illustrations are fun and gross at the same time. Perfect for those kids that love aliens and monsters. It even has a bit of alliteration naming off animals doing activities. The ending is perfect and unexpected just like this book. I will most definitely read this to my speech kids and I know it will out a smile on their face just like mine

Very fun! I love a meta kids' book and this is a good one. Sometimes they don't really have a punchline or they don't know how to close it out, but this book had a very solid ending! I could definitely see myself using this in my outreach programs with elementary students.