The Book with No Pictures

June 30, 2014
Actor Novak’s expert sense of comic timing is on full display in his first picture book, which, true to its title, only contains words on a white background. Different font types, sizes, and colors signal important changes in tone and voice to whomever is reading the story aloud (and the book’s jokes rely on a readaloud setting). “It might seem like no fun to have someone read you a book with no pictures,” Novak writes early in the book, his words set in a black serif font that all but demands a serious, James Earl Jones–style voice-over. Then the kicker: “Here is how books work. Everything the words say, the person reading the book has to say. No matter what.” Cue sound effects (“BLUURF”) and nonsense statements (“I am a monkey who taught myself to read”) designed to make a laughingstock of the adult reader while keeping children howling, even as the reader’s “voice” lodges its protests (“Wait a second—is this whole book a trick?”). A strong first showing for Novak that’s sure to deliver big laughs. Ages 4–8. Agent: Richard Abate, 3 Arts Entertainment.

Starred review from August 1, 2014
This book may not have pictures, but it's sure to inspire lots of conversations-and laughs. Television writer, actor and comedian Novak delivers a rare find, indeed: a very good celebrity picture book. It doesn't even seem fair to call it such, since it has nothing to do with his Emmy Award-winning writing for The Office or the fame his broader career has afforded him. The jacket flap even eschews a glossy photo, instead saying "B.J. has brown hair and blue eyes," in order to keep with the book's central conceit. What this book does have is text, and it's presented through artful typography that visually conveys its changing tone to guide oral readings. Furthermore, the text implies (or rather, demands) a shared reading transaction, in which an adult is compelled to read the text aloud, no matter how "COMPLETELY RIDICULOUS" it is. Employing direct address, it pleads with the implied child listener to allow him or her to stop reading. Nonsense words, silly words to be sung and even a smattering of potty talk for good measure all coalesce in riotous read-aloud fare. Although the closing pages beg the implied child reader to "please please please please / please / choose a book with pictures" for subsequent reading, it's likely that this request will be ignored. A riotously fresh take on breaking the fourth wall. (Picture book. 3-8)

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September 1, 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 Herve 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 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2014
Preschool-G Best known for his work on TV's The Office, Novak follows his adult short-story collection (One More Thing, 2014) with a picture bookwell, 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.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)