Don't push the button! by Bill Cotter

Larry has one job and one job only - to make sure that you don't push the big red button in his book.  It is the one and only rule, but it seems even Larry may have a little trouble following this one simple rule.  Would you dare to push Larry's button?

There is something about picture books that encourage audience participation - it seems as though they are custom designed to encourage adults to let go and be silly (at least that seems to be the case with the best ones!).  Don't push the red button! is one of the best examples of a picture book designed to encourage audience participation that I have seen for some time - Larry gently encouraging you to break the rules seems like an open invitation to get children involved in the (mischief of the) story rather than encouraging them to enjoy the story from a distance.

It is rare to find a picture book that can survive the countless repetitions that children demand when they find a book they really like - mainly because the characters are either too cutesy or because the plot is so banal - but that is not the case here!  I loved Don't push the button! and it is bound to become a firm family favourite for children and adults of all ages.  

A charming and engaging find for audience participation - either one-on-one or with a bigger group.  Pick up a copy of Don't push the red button! and let the fun begin!

If you like this book then try:

• If I had a raptor by George O'Connor
• Barnaby Bennett by Hannah Rainforth; illustrated by Ali Teo
• Elephants cannot dance! by Mo Willems
• Blue chicken by Deborah Freedman
• New socks by Bob Shea
• Wait! No paint! by Bruce Whately
• Giggle, giggle, quack by Doreen Cronin; illustrated by Betsy Lewin
• Press here by Hervé Tullet
• Cushie Butterfield (she's a little cow) by Colin McNaughton
• If you give a mouse a cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff; illustrated by Felicia Bond
• The monster at the end of this book by Jon Stone
• Shout! Shout it out! by Denise Fleming

Reviewed by Brilla