The Book of Rules by Brian Gehrlein

Abstract

Reviewed by: The Book of Rules by Brian Gehrlein Kate Quealy-Gainer, Editor Gehrlein, Brian The Book of Rules; illus. by Tom Knight. Farrar, 2021 [40p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780374314545 $18.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R 3-6 yrs As the title states, this book has a lot of rules and if listeners don’t follow them, they’ll be gobbled up by Dennis, a horned, hairy purple beast (who, despite his size and tusks, is entirely unintimidating). Fortunately, the rules are pretty easy, starting with sitting down and sitting up straight and then getting silly with mooing like a cow or making fish faces. It becomes tricky when there’s no smiling allowed, but eventually viewers get to settle down again with some focused breathing—though Dennis still needs to be fed (luckily, he’s content to just eat the book, not the kids). Dennis is instantly endearing as he lumbers through the pages with futile attempts to seem scary while the unseen narrator continues to threaten listeners with his insatiable hunger, a humorous juxtaposition that will surely elicit some giggles. This is a ready-made storytime that would work particularly well with library newbies, and the book’s diverse set of youngsters make excellent rule-following models for any kid needing a bit of instruction in guided play. [End Page 57] Copyright © 2021 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois