In the grand tradition of books that talk to their readers (see also: I Will Chomp You, The Book With No Pictures), this Very Cranky Book does not want to be read: "You should go find something else to do." The cranky book insists "there is no story time today!" at which a pink-covered book with a gold crown and wings announces, "Gather round, friends. Story time is about to begin!" Feeling jealous and left out, the cranky book allows as how they've had a change of mood, and offers, "Let's read together, but not with all these other books - just you and me. Okay?" The art was created with "an actual book" and "Photoshop magic."

Just silly enough to coax a cranky reader out of a bad mood, and visually lively. Could be a good choice for storytime! ( )

First sentence: Did you look at my cover and think Wow this looks like a book I should pick up and read? Well, that was the worst idea in the HISTORY OF IDEAS. Because I am a very cranky book.

Premise/plot: The protagonist of this book is a VERY CRANKY BOOK. This is written in second person, the book is speaking directly to you, the reader. The book tries to discourage readers from reading him.

My thoughts: I didn't dislike this one. I just wasn't wowed. Of course, not every book will wow every reader. This one is all about 'breaking the fourth wall' and speaking directly to readers and "interacting" with them. It is very much premise driven. There isn't much substance beyond that gimmick. Of course, some may be amused by this one? It's certainly possible that there is an audience for this type of book. (And this isn't the first or last to use this gimmick.) ( )