Not A Stick (Book)

Portis, A. (2008). Not a stick. New York, NY: HarperCollins.

Interest Level: Ages 5 & under
Genre: Picture Book, Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Imagination, Pig, Sticks

Plot: A sequel to Not a Box (2006). A little pig and his not-a-stick.  The reader/narrator keeps asking the pig to be careful when playing with a stick.  The pig explains that he is not playing with a stick but instead with a fishing pole or paint brush.

Personal Thoughts: First we had a book about boxes and now we have sticks! You'll wonder about how such a simple plot idea turned into such a cute and imaginative book.  The author once again brings a sense of humor to the little pig's imagination.  The narrator's voice echoes a parent's voice telling their child to be careful.  The pig's repetitive statements about all the things his not-a-stick is will make the reader smile.  Once again one set of illustrations are simple black lines portraying a pig and a stick on a white background, which is what the narrator or parent sees.  But this time the other set of illustrations adds bright blue crayon lines over the pig and the stick to illustrate what the child or pig sees, such as a horse or a baton.  The book's cover is made to look like a piece of wood. This author has created another great addition to any picture book collection. 

Awards:
Bank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of 2009 List
Publishers' Weekly Starred Review (2007)

Author Website: http://www.antoinetteportis.com/index1.html

Other Books by the Author: Not a Box (2006); Kindergarten Diary (2010)