The Storybarn Selects… From The Reader Bookshelf

Written by Lily Kehoe, 1st March 2025

The Reader Bookshelf is a carefully curated collection of literature for adults and children, exploring a different theme each year, this year’s theme ‘Wonder’ is about being bold, being curious and being open. Staff and volunteers around the country have selected 12 titles for children which explore what 'Wonder' means to them.

We're continuing to delve into the Children and Young People's choices from The Reader Bookshelf with a review by our Storybarn Manager, Natalia. This month Natalia shares her thoughts on This is Not A Book by Jean Jullien.

I have always had a special place in my heart for wordless picture books. These books are visually stunning. The illustrations grab the attention of their readers and encourage them to make connections, follow a plot and make a story out of it all.

Jean Jullien’s This is Not A Book flips this narrative on its head. Instead of asking a reader to create a story. He instead chooses to invite you to play.

This is not a book, it’s a monster with more than 15 white sharp teeth. Watch out!

This is not a book, it’s a piano with worn out ivory keys.

This is not a book, it’s a tennis match in the middle of an intense rally.

This is not a book, it’s a tool box so you can finally fix that thing that needs fixing somewhere in your home.

This is not a book, it’s so many things and I won’t give anything else away.

You will want to read this book again and again with your little one. It is fun, silly and delightfully deceptive. A perfect addition to our Wonder Bookshelf.