School Library Journal
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PreS-Gr 2—Attention, readers! John's omniscient narrator assures readers that they will love this book, filled with action! Comedy! Homework! Homework? This laugh-out-loud tale includes decidedly unlovable things, e.g., dentists and early bedtimes. John's hilarious questions—"Are you ready to go to sleep while it's still light outside? Are you ready to dream about all the fun you could be having if you were still awake?"—will have readers groaning in delighted recognition, making this read-aloud gold. Tallec's expressive kangaroo main character and comically dramatic illustrations will provide giggles for many reads to come. VERDICT An essential book to liven up story hours.—Rosemary Kiladitis

Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Can reading a book ever not be fun? The narrator, an orange aardvarklike creature, addresses readers directly, enticing them to pay close attention by announcing that this book contains sure-fire kid-favorite topics as homework, Brussels sprouts, the dentist, chore lists, raisins, and early bedtimes. Can’t miss with those page-turners. The narrator exudes feverish elation, desperate to arouse enthusiasm. Who wouldn’t savor those talking points—every child’s first choices in reading material, no? The speaker’s frenzied excitement is emphasized via creative typesetting: Some words are set in larger fonts, colored capitals, and exclamation points, and the frequent expression “Ahhhhhhhhh Yeahhhhhh!” suggests the idea “You can’t beat this for good times.” Of course, this is all played for raucous guffaws. Many children will catch on to and chuckle over the author’s obvious, sustained gag. Younger readers, however, won’t have experienced daunting homework and may not have visited a dentist yet, so they might miss the point that those things are considered fearsome; additionally, lots of kids do enjoy raisins. The real reason for loving this book is saved for last, though—and it’s a reassuring goodie. The acrylic paint, gouache, and pencil illustrations are a dynamic, comic hoot and certainly one fine reason to love this tale. Who wouldn’t love a book you can really laugh over? (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.