Don't by L. Trochatos

Authors

  • Hanne Pearce

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20361/G2H30B

Abstract

Trochatos, Litsa. Don't. Illus. Virginia Johnson. Toronto: Groundwood Books, 2014. Print.

“Don’t start a food fight with an octopus, it has six more arms than you do” is how Don’t begins its advice of the many things you should not do with particular animals and why. This colourful storybook warns of the potential concequences of engaging in a game of badminton with a frog or playing fetch with a turtle.

Don’t is a quick and funny read. It is most suitable for children in preschool or kindergarten but it also works nicely with those in grades 1-2 who are learning to read. Virginia Johnston’s watercolour images are the highlight of this book, punctuating the humour and carrying the story along. The heavy cardboard pages also make it suitable for younger children who will enjoy the images of animals doing various activities. The book could have been a bit longer, my co-reviewers (two young nieces) wanted “more don’ts”.  Overall, a very enjoyable read.

Recommended: 3 out of 4 stars
Reviewer: Hanne Pearce

Hanne Pearce has worked at the University of Alberta Libraries in various support staff positions since 2004 and is currently a Public Service Librarian at the HT Coutts Education and Physical Education Library. Aside from being an avid reader she has continuing interests in writing, photography, graphic design and knitting.

Author Biography

Hanne Pearce

Public Services Librarian

Published

2015-10-23

How to Cite

Pearce, H. (2015). Don’t by L. Trochatos. The Deakin Review of Children’s Literature, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.20361/G2H30B

Issue

Section

Book Reviews