Mr. Fox’s Game of “No!”
by David LaRochelle; illus. by Mike Wohnoutka
Preschool, Primary    Candlewick    40 pp.
9/24    9781536229677    $17.99
e-book ed.  9781536240481    $17.99

Beware cartoon foxes luring unsuspecting readers into a challenge: “Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! Step right up for a battle of wits.” The tricky fox in this interactive picture book looks harmless in his plaid pants, purple tuxedo jacket, and top hat. He waves a cane around as he introduces readers to the rules of his game: “Every time I ask a question, you have to say ‘NO!’ If you accidentally say ‘YES,’ then you have to go all the way back to the beginning of the book and start over.” The game requires concentration. Some questions are sneaky (“Are you ready to play?”). Others require ignoring desire, as when a giant sundae is delivered—want some? To get to the end of the book, readers will have to lie, exaggerate, feign ignorance, and let themselves in for some gross situations (such as being slobbered on by a smelly water buffalo). The exaggerated illustrations play up the humor throughout, and the fox and other characters gaze meaningfully at readers to amplify the interactive connection. Finishing the book by winning the game may require several restarts, but every accidental “YES” will compound the silliness of the experience. The final question is a desperate play for a compliment: “Have you ever read a funnier, better written, more beautifully illustrated book than this one?” While only one answer will win this battle of wits, any answer might require re-reading it yet again from the beginning.

From the ">November/December 2024 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.