Never Take a Shark to the Dentist by Judi Barrett, illustrated by John Nickle

Never Take a Shark to the Dentist (And other things not to do)
By Judi Barrett, illustrated by John Nickle
Atheneum; $16.99
34 pp; ISBN-13: 978-1416907244

Review by Amy Brozio-Andrews

Every kid knows there's a list of things she's never to do. Most kids probably feel like they hear it all day long. But in Judi Barrett's Never Take a Shark to the Dentist (And other things not to do), there's a playful new twist on the list of no-no's.

In Barrett's world, playing checkers with a spider is bad news. So is inviting ants to your picnic, bringing your raccoon to the bank, and palling around with a lobster. On page after page, Never Take a Shark to the Dentist pokes fun at the distinguishing characteristics of various animals, concluding with on an unexpected high note (a little hint at one thing you should always do).

The seriousness of Barrett's text is belied by John Nickle's humorous illustrations. His acrylic paintings play up what each animal is known for in a situation where it brings about the worst possible result, leading to laughter and giggles all around. For example, a frog sits atop a moose's head, trying to fit a knit cap from one end of the antlers to the other. In another scene, two bugs are surprised to see their double Dutch teammate the grasshopper take off to the skies. In a special treat, the reason that you shouldn't bring your giraffe to the movies is made crystal clear, complete with a fold-up page that reveals the poor giraffe with his head poking through the roof, watching the film on a television screen. But before young readers think there's nothing but no's in this book, Barrett saves the best for last, revealing a final affirmative instruction played for one last laugh.

Barrett, probably best known for the picture book classic Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, previously paired with John Nickle for Things That Are Most in the World. Never Take a Shark to the Dentist (And other things not to do) is sure to join the ranks of Barrett's other popular books.