Adam Lehrhaupt

Theodore the dragon lurks in his dark, quiet cave, uninterested in eating the various creatures that come by and visit him. Then a persistent little boy with a sword comes charging in, and won't leave him alone. Finally roused from his apathy, Theodore gives chase, interested in eating someone at last. But the boy's laughter dissuades him, and he joins in the fun and games instead. After all... he can always eat the boy later!

I enjoyed I Will Not Eat You, appreciating both the humorous story show more from author Adam Lehrhaupt, and the appealing illustrations from artist Scott Magoon. It's clear that what Theodore really needed was not a snack, but rather some company and amusement, which is exactly what the boy provided. The final line of the story gives a nice Jon Klassen style ending to the book, with the implication that some eating might still occur. Magoon's artwork, in which Theodore does not appear for some ways into the book, is engrossing. I particularly liked the scene in which the boy falls down, and a magical red Theodore looms over him - just lovely! Recommended to all young children who dream of dragons, or to anyone looking for children's stories about imaginative play. show less

This book is super dark! When you open this book, you find a troupe of animals thankful you've saved them from being trapped. They are trying to repair the damage caused by the last person to read the book, who had the audacity to CLOSE THE BOOK! Eventually, of course, all good things must come to an end. The book ends with the animals begging and pleading for their lives, as you close the book mercilessly. You monster. Fun read.

The young narrator of this lovely picture-book tribute to the artist in all of us maintains (as per the title) that he doesn't draw, but rather, he colors. Although not a talented draftsman - his cars looks like boxes and his puppies like mush - he uses colors to express his emotional state, and to communicate to others how he feels about the world around him.

The seventh picture-book I have read from American children's author Adam Lehrhaupt, but the first from Italian illustrator Felicita show more Sala, I Don't Draw, I Color! offers a perceptive look at the creative impulse in young children, encouraging those reading and/or listening to it to explore their own artistic talents, even if they can't draw. The artwork is vibrantly colored, as one would expect, given the subject matter, and complements the narrative perfectly. Recommended to all young would-be artists, and also to all young people who imagine they aren't artists, because they lack some certain skill. show less

"Do not open this book!," cautions the narrator of this entertaining little picture-book romp, warning of the dangers - chiefly, monkeys - ahead if this advice is disregarded. The threatened monkeys do indeed appear, as the reader (naturally) continues to turn the pages, making quite a mess. Next come toucans, who add to the cacophony. But when an alligator appears, it becomes a real catastrophe! Fortunately, the narrator has a banana, and a plan that will enable the reader to safely trap show more all of these creatures...

A fun little book, one which involves the reader in the storytelling process, allowing them to enter into and participate in a game of make-believe through the reading process, Warning: Do Not Open This Book! was Adam Lehrhaupt's debut, revealing a fine sense of humor, and a deft sense of what will appeal to younger children. There isn't really a story here, per se, but the narrative is engaging all the same. The artwork, done by Matthew Forsyte, is likewise appealing, capturing the mischievous mayhem created by the monkeys, and the merry menace represented by the alligator. Recommended to those who enjoy more meta-fictional picture-books. show less