Andy Lee, the author of the picture book , wrote a guest blog post about how the book that was only ever meant to have one reader became an international sensation.
DO NOT READ THIS BLOG POST…
I’m serious. Why are you reading this? This post is simply about a book that I categorically know you shouldn’t be reading. And I’d know, because I am the author. It’s called Do Not Open This Book and it seems absurd to me that it is about to launch in the United States of America—like it has done in over 50 countries around the world—because it was never meant to published at all.
You see, Do Not Open This Book was only ever meant to have one copy printed. I wrote it as a surprise for my sister and her husband to celebrate the 1st birthday of their son George (my nephew).
But, when I asked my friend Michael to print me one copy, he said, “This is good, can we print more?” I said, “No.” He pestered me for months, and here we are. So, if you don’t think the book is any good, take it up with Michael, not me.
Parents and teachers have been quick to point out how engaged children are when they read Do Not Open This Book—they interact with every page as they wrestle with their decision to continue on or not. Sometimes this requires bravery, sometimes it’s acting on intrigue—a willingness to not take things at face value and to have a go, take a risk, see for yourself.
Although, I doubt you’ll ever know what I’m talking about, because I assume you’ll follow the very clear instruction on the cover—DO NOT OPEN THIS BOOK!!!
Andy Lee (Unlikely but Extremely Chuffed Author)
More about Do Not Open This Book:
This hilarious series opener from Australian comedian Andy Lee is full of twists and surprises for disobedient readers!
From the very cover of Do Not Open This Book, a funny blue monster pleads with readers not to keep reading. As his pleas grow more impassioned, however, readers will delight in doing exactly what they are asked not to do—no matter the consequences for the blue monster!
This successful series from popular Australian comedian Andy Lee has sold over one million copies worldwide and has been translated into over 35 languages.
Learn more at scholastic.com/donotopen
