That’s Not Funny, David!, by David Shannon, (March 2025, Orchard Books), $18.99, ISBN: 9781546123187
Ages 3-7
That mischievous preschooler, David, is back and he’s still in trouble! That’s Not Funny, David! shows David just trying to have a little fun: but not everyone appreciates his sense of humor. David rams a shopping cart into a fruit bin; does a cannonball into the pool, soaking everyone around him; goofs off during class, and somehow – in what may be the most hilarious spread in the book – wedges a peanut firmly in his nose. The narrator’s exasperated voice starts with “Not funny, David!”, which becomes, “That’s disgusting!”, “We are not amused, David”, and “What were you thinking?” Kids and grownups alike will recognize both sides of the story; they’ll also recognize the moment David’s parent gives in and admits, “Okay, that’s pretty funny”. Show me a grownup who hasn’t had to hide a smirk or a chuckle at some behavior or other they should be curbing, right? As with all David stories, after an exhausting day of hearing “No, David!”, the story ends on an affectionate note where David’s parent expresses love for the lovable goofball, and David has a smile that stretches from ear to ear. All my David books go out on the regular, and I expect I’ll need a couple of copies of this newest one to keep up with demand. That’s Not Funny, David! is another fun addition to the series and to picture book collections. That’s Not Funny, David! is an Indie Next pick. Download some free activity sheets from Scholastic!
Mom Read It 