The celeb-penned kids' book you'll really want to read

by

Carolyn Robertson

posted in Celebrities

Actor BJ Novak - you may know him as Ryan from the US version of The Office - has just released a new kids' book titled, The Book With No Pictures . As you've probably guessed, the book has no pictures. None. Big mistake, right?

Anyone who's read a bedtime story to a small child knows that colorful, creative illustrations are key. Without them your adorable audience's attention will quickly wander and by page 3 they'll be jumping up and down on the bed singing Taylor Swift songs. Good luck recovering from that. ("Weee are never ever ever, going back to bed!")

How do I know this? Over the past 8 years I've read approximately 2,500 bedtime stories to my daughters - yes, I just did the math. I speak from experience.

So I think it's safe to say that Novak's book, no matter how well intentioned, will be a massive flop.

Or maybe not. This video of the 35-year-old actor reading The Book With No Pictures to a gymnasium full of kids seems to prove my theory very wrong. Take a look...

How great is that? Those kids were clearly loving it, and I can see why. It's silly and interactive and has just enough nonsensical words and ridiculous scenarios to guarantee that my two girls would love it, too. And let's be honest: Throwing the word "butt" in there can only help.

I haven't bought the book just yet, but plan on picking it up soon. After seeing it in action, I'm happily prepared to eat my words about a book with no pictures being a very bad idea. It just may be brilliant.

(ps - Is there any sound more infectious than a kid laughing? Like, really, from the gut, laughing? I just love it.)

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What do you think of a book with no pictures?

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