Metafictive Picture Books make great stories to read aloud! They are often humorous, clever, and include many surprise elements that deviate from the traditional picture book format. Check out my top 10 favorites in this genre!
Press Here by Herve Tullet
Press Here by Herve Tullet is one of my favorite interactive picture books.The book asks the reader to press, shake, tilt, and blow on the pages. After each of these actions, the following page “magically” transforms a handful of colorful dots. The concept and art is so simple, yet so effective and fun for kids. Who knew dots could be such fun?
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems
Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus is a hilarious book that will be sure to have your children laughing and interacting! The bus driver asks readers to watch his bus while he takes a short break, with only one rule: Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus! Once he’s gone, the pigeon tries all sorts of arguments, including begging and pleading, to get his way, and it’s up to the readers to hold firm to the driver’s request. Not only is the story engaging, but the simple, expressive illustrations are perfect for a great laugh.
Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson
“There’s magic in the bare brown tree.” With this beginning, readers will then be directed to tap, rub, touch, jiggle, wiggle, and much more! This is a great book to get readers involved, and it also shows the beauty and magic of a tree throughout the seasons!
The Three Pigs by David Wiesner
The Three Pigs begins with the familiar little pig and the big bad wolf. But at the first huff, puff, and blow your house down, this book takes an interesting twist by blowing the first pig right out of the story! David Wiesner continues with many more surprises outside the traditional “text,” as the pigs must explore outside the pages of their own book in order to finally piece their story back together again. Readers will enjoy this twist on a classic, complete with a happy ending for all to enjoy!
Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham and Paul O. Zelinsky
In Z is for Moose, a cast of animals (and objects) help create an alphabet book. While A, B, and C go as planned, Moose shows up when they get to letter D. The zebra director points out, “Moose does not start with D,” so Moose makes his way off-stage, albeit causing a few mishaps along the way. Then imagine Moose’s surprise when he’s not even featured for his own letter! Full of fun surprises, readers will love this story and its attention-seeking moose!
Don’t Push the Button by Bill Cotter
This book centers around an adorable purple monster named Larry and a very tempting red button. Larry tells the reader there’s only one rule: “Don’t push the button!” However, as the story continues, readers will find that even Larry can’t resist the red button! He encourages the reader to eventually push the button, causing all sorts of fun and exciting reactions! This book will be sure to engage your curious little ones!
Wolves by Emily Gravett
Wolves features an adorable book-reading rabbit who checks out the book Wolves from the public library. Rabbit so engaged in his new book, he doesn’t even notice the wolf with whom he suddenly comes face-to-face! Readers will delight in watching this story unfold through the pictures, as the text consists primarily of excerpts from Rabbit’s checked-out book. Although the first ending may imply a not-so-happy ending for Rabbit, the author notes, “For you more sensitive readers, here’s an alternative ending.” The book is creative and witty, blending fiction and nonfiction elements in unexpected ways, and will be enjoyed by both children and parents alike!
A Perfectly Messed-Up Story by Patrick McDonnell
Little Louie happily skips along as he tells his story, when a big glob of jelly lands on the book! And the messes continue! Little Louie makes it abundantly clear that he dislikes all these “messes” and just wants to continue his story in peace. Unfortunately for Little Louie, many more surprises will continue to ruin his story! Despite the many mishaps (which will be sure to delight readers), Little Louie finally realizes that no matter how many mistakes, he can still have a good story, imperfections and all. A fun story with a great message!
How This Book Was Made by Mac Barnett and Adam Rex
This is a clever book that showcases the writing process, from the hard work of creating manuscript drafts, to editorial notes and revisions, to the illustration process, the printing press, methods of delivery, and all the way until a book gets into the hands of a reader. But don’t let the subject matter turn you away— this book includes plenty of fun surprises along the way, like a tiger and his posse, pirates, and even Ben Franklin scaling City Hall like King Kong. Check it out!
The Book With No Pictures by B. J. Novak
If you haven’t read The Book With No Pictures, it is a must-read! As the warning on the back cover reads, “This book looks serious, but is actually COMPLETELY RIDICULOUS!” Make sure to read it aloud—it’s a book that your kids will ask to read again and again!