#629 of 1001 · April 21, 2022

In honor of the delightful David McKee, check out his deceptively anarchic Not Now, Bernard. The communication skills of the family at the center of the satirical story leave something to be desired. The young son’s attempts to engage with his mother and father are routinely met with the dismissive response, “Not now, Bernard.” Having failed to convince his parents that there is a monster in the backyard, Bernard wanders outside and is promptly devoured. The monster then enters the house and proceeds to wreak low-level havoc but is met with the refrain: “Not now, Bernard,” the parents having apparently failed to notice the difference between their son and a squat, surly imp. But wait…just what is McKee up to? Is this a satire on adult distraction and apathy? Or is Bernard perhaps alive and well, his replacement by the monster a metaphor for rowdy childhood behavior? The cheeky cartoon-style illustrations offer no definitive answer. The subtle ambiguity of the plot’s key event and the irresistible energy of the presentation make for an uproarious, unforgettable read. Rest in peace, Mr. McKee. #child #parent #parents #monster #book #books #childrensbooks #beautifulbook #beautifulbooks #beautifulbookcovers #picturebook #picturebooks #picturebookillustration #picturebookillustrations #picturebookart #classicchildrensbooks #childrensbookillustration #childrensliterature #illustration #kidlit #kidsbooks #bookworm #booklover #booklovers #bibliophile #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammers #instabook #instabooks