Early readers · ages 4–7

Not Now, Bernard

A monster eats Bernard. His parents do not notice.

Not Now, Bernard — written and illustrated by David McKee (Andersen Press). Ages 3–7.

Bernard tells his parents there's a monster in the garden. They don't look up. The monster eats him, comes indoors, and they still don't look up.

Every page is the same shape: Bernard speaks, a parent answers without turning round. McKee keeps it deadpan and very short, and never once offers a lesson.

The catch — the ending unsettles some children, and rather a lot of parents.

Children laugh first and understand later. The book waits for them.

Get the full guide: The Picture Book Years →

Cover: Not Now, Bernard · written and illustrated by David McKee · Andersen Press