Everybody’s Favorite Book
Mike Allegra, Author
Claire Almon, Illustrator
Imprint/Macmillan Publishing Group, LLC, Fiction, Oct. 30, 2018
Suitable for Ages: 3-6
Themes: Heroes, Humor, Mystery, Fantasy, Big words, Poop jokes
Opening: “You are very lucky. You are reading Everybody’s Favorite Book. There is not one person anywhere who has a different favorite book. Do you want to know why this is everybody’s favorite book? I’ll explain. ”
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Anyone who says, “You can’t please everybody,” isn’t trying hard enough. At least, that’s what the cheeky narrator of this meta picture book thinks!
A “good” book may have a spaceman or a ninja or a cowboy, but Everybody’s Favorite Book has something better: a Space Ninja Cow. And that’s only the beginning. You like princesses? We got ‘em. Prefer a mystery? No sweat. Want the definition of gallimaufry? A good poop joke? A giant, carnivorous guinea pig? Spy kids? Check, check and check. And there’s more! Much more! This book has everything, for everybody! At least that’s what the cheeky narrator thinks!
Here’s hoping things don’t go awry. (Spoiler, they do.)
Why I like this book:
This clever and humorous picture book will appeal to kids who like to make up their own stories. And, they couldn’t have a better teacher — the outrageous and quirky author, Mike Allegra, who loves to think outside-the-box and make kids laugh. His book would make a great read-aloud in an elementary classroom.
A narrator guides readers through the story. With every page turn the story keeps changing because some readers don’t like violence, others want princesses, some prefer a mystery (missing Space Ninja Cow) and others want big words. As more characters appear, so does the chaos and the book becomes quite crowded. It becomes clear the narrator has lost control of his readers and finally shouts “STOP!” How will the narrator regain control? Or will he?
Claire Almon’s cartoon-like illustrations are lively, colorful and hilarious. They add life to the story.
Resources: This is rambunctious and silly story will inspire reader’s imaginations. Encourage kids to choose a scene and write their own ending. Or have them draw the scene on paper. Make sure you check out Allegra’s website.
Mike Allegra is the author of the picture book, Sarah Gives Thanks. Under the pseudonym Roy L. Hinuss, Mike not-so secretly pens the Prince Not-So Charming chapter book series. He was the winner of the 2014 Highlights for Children Fiction Contest, a recipient of an Individual Artist Fellowship from the New Jersey State Council for the Arts, and a nominee for a 2017 Pushcart Prize.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
*Copy won in a book giveaway.
I LOVE this book! Such a fun read and the illustrations are adorable.
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Yes, it is a fun read and kids will laugh!
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Fun book for sure. I’ve already bought several for a few of my grandkids, who have enjoyed it with smiles on their faces from page to page. Nice review, Patricia.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed Mike’s book. Such a funny read!
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I think we need more books like this. The world is too serious! Thanks for the heads-up on a fun idea for a book.
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Kids need more silly in their lives.
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They do!
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Clever book from a talented writer! Something for every reader and a springboard for kids to think up their own fun stories. A+!
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Yes, I think that it is a perfect book to encourage kids to make up their own stories — even what is happening in the book.
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I’m still on the hunt for this one! Thanks for sharing it, Pat.
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Ask your library to order a copy.
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Mike’s humor gets me every time!
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I know, he so incredibly funny!
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I also find this book hilarious!
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Happy for your feedback! Glad you enjoyed his book.
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This looks like a fun & funny book that will appeal to all kids! Love that bright & engaging cover!
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The cover and the illustrations are just eyepopping! Mike uses humor well in his stories.
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Sounds like so much fun. Great choice, P. If Mom brings this home, I will check to see if it is also MY favorite book. Translation: is there a cute doggie…???
Love and licks,
Cupcake
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By golly, no. There may be a dog in an illustration. But, not as a main character. Hilarious read though.
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No doggies, but there is a guinea pig the size of a mastodon. Will that suffice?
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Well… I do like pigs. And mastodons…
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I think you’ll dig it then.
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I love metafiction/post-modern books like this one. Thanks for sharing this title. I am going to check out a copy.
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This is the first time I’ve heard about metafiction. Good book to check out.
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What fun. I’ll have to find this one. How can anyone resist a space ninja cow or a giant, carnivorous guinea pig?
Thanks for the heads up.
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You are welcome. Mike really thinks out-side of the box and his work is packed with humor.
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Thank you, thank you, thank you for such a wonderful review, Patricia!
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You are welcome. I read it three times and laughed. Made my mind spin with ideas — things that kids might enjoy exploring if they added to the story.
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I’m so glad it got the creative juices flowing! Thanks again!
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you had me at space-ninja-cow! But a book where things go awry? That sounds too good to miss.
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Many surprises in Mike’s book! It is a fun read!
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Oh my, I do like the sound of this book, Patricia. Anything that can get children laughing and using their imagination is tops in my book. I’ll have to look out for it. Thank you.
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