Book or Bell?

October 2, 2017
School bells keep things running smoothly, as any student or administrator knows, but a boy named Henry is tired of them interrupting his reading. When Henry refuses to leave his seat, the finely tuned machine of his school breaks down: because he isn’t in the cafeteria line, “the food that would have gone on Henry’s tray went—SPLOT!—onto the floor.” And “with the best player missing from PE, lots of balls rolled out of the gym... and into the street.” The mayor, governor, and a senator are called in, but their solution—louder and louder bells—only make things worse. Barton alludes to but doesn’t entirely explore the ideas of appropriate reading times and the pitfalls of life ruled by the clock. His exaggerated descriptions of the klaxons are sure to get big laughs, though: one “blasted like a ton of air horns getting smashed by a freight train.” Spires has as much fun drawing the chaos caused by the booming bells, which blow the ink off whiteboard and send clothes and backpacks flying. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Erin Murphy, Erin Murphy Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Claire Easton, Painted Words.

September 1, 2017

K-Gr 2-Finding the perfect book means everything to Henry, for once he has started reading, nothing will convince him to stop-"He decided to just stay put." No version of a louder bell, not even the "mega-giga-decibel monstrosity illegal in seventeen states" preferred by the state's Senator Brilliant can make him budge. Recommendations from his teacher, principal, mayor or governor are ignored, until his teacher discovers the call to his heart-a personal interest that builds and then surpasses his favorite book about bicycles. Digitalized watercolor and ink art follows the mayhem as a succession of illustrations highlights the chain-reaction effects of Henry's insistence on staying put. Fantastical machines designed to get his attention perfectly match the pacing of humorous text with the "bronkitybronkitybronkity..." of an increasingly louder bell. VERDICT Designed to appeal to any child dreaming of the perfect read and a bit of control over their surrounding environment, this offering features plenty of action with a satisfying ending. A suggested general purchase for all libraries.-Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2017
When Henry ignores his school's loud bells and continues to read a mesmerizing book, chaos ensues--and several inept adults attempt to remedy the situation.Readers will identify with Henry when he tries to read "the most awesome book about a bike" and is interrupted, first in the library and then after recess. When the lunch bell rings, Henry, for the first time in his young life, decides to ignore it and "just stay put." So far, readers have observed a reasonably well-behaved group of cartoonlike children representing many ethnicities. Both Henry and Ms. Sabio, his teacher, have light brown skin and dark hair, though his is straight and hers is tightly curled. Funny, subtle details emerge early, such as a student picking their nose. Next, the text and artwork become silly to the point of laughter, as Henry's refusal to leave his book causes a messy chain reaction in the cafeteria, where the food meant for Henry's tray instead goes "SPLOT!--onto the floor." One elected official after another each demands louder bells, which cause increasingly more mayhem. As children and adults scatter and various classroom objects implode, Henry reads on. Finally, Ms. Sabio, who was rudely interrupted by the mayor when she tried to explain why Henry stayed put, saves the day with a simple solution. A zany, rollicking story with hilarious illustrations. (Picture book. 4-8)

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