Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 09/01/2014 K-Gr 2—The actor (and writer, producer, and director) has penned his first picture book, but can it be called a picture book when there are no pictures? Entering the field of unique interactive books begging to be opened, including Hervé Tullet's Press Here (Chronicle, 2011) and Adam Lehrhaupt's Warning: Do Not Open This Book! (S. & S., 2013), this title will instantly intrigue children. Upon opening the book, readers are drawn in ("Here is how books work: everything the words say, the person reading the book has to say. No matter what."). What follows is an uproariously raucous time, with readers being forced to utter nonsense words ("blork," "bluurf") and phrases that will have young listeners in stitches ("And my head is made of blueberry pizza."). Admittedly, there are no illustrations, but Novak has employed the use of various sizes of black typeface with expansive white space and color to highlight some of the text. This book is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, and it's perfect for one-on-one sharing with a parent or caregiver. Expect requests for repeated readings.—Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA - Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 09/15/2014 Best known for his work on TV’s The Office, Novak follows his adult short-story collection (One More Thing, 2014) with a picture book—well, sort of. There’s, like, no pictures. That’s the whole idea. But Novak has isolated a curious truth about picture books: the person reading the book aloud is obligated to say what’s on the page. No exceptions. Thus commences what is basically a one-character stand-up routine in which the one reading aloud must struggle against increasingly silly demands. “I am a monkey who taught myself to read,” insists the simple black-on-white text. Then, in smaller text, “Hey! I’m not a monkey!” Color and font changes are introduced as the demands upon the speaker become more infuriating: “And my head is made of blueberry pizza.” You see where this is going: humiliating songs, declarations that the kid listening is the “best kid ever,” and a two-page spread of rude noises. Sure, it’s one joke, but it’s a great one, and kids will adore adults who commit to the ridiculous performance. - Copyright 2014 Booklist.