The Book No One Wants to Read

Originally self-published in 2017, this companion to I Hate Reading features a range of colorful, interactive content guided by a fourth-wall-breaking narrator. Bacon takes on the fast-talking voice of the book itself: “If you think reading is boring, try sitting around all day facing the wall, cover closed, doing a whole lot of nothing,” the book complains. On the next page, an image of a light bulb offers, “Hey,/ I might/ have an idea/ that helps us/ both,” inviting emerging readers in on a ruse: pretending to read. The book proceeds to cajole readers to turn (and sometimes shake, scratch, or smack) pages, participate in multipage jokes, and peer at optical illusions. Bold graphic design and bright monochrome backgrounds ensure that the book holds plenty of visual appeal. While encouraging page-turning is prioritized over a cohesive narrative, this tome is well designed to engage reluctant young readers. Ages 6–10. (June)