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  • Published: 4 December 2011
  • ISBN: 9781849399258
  • Imprint: Andersen Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 32

Not Now, Bernard




The perennial and well-loved classic picture book story about parents too preoccupied to notice their own child.

Bernard's parents are so busy doing their own thing, that the monster can eat Bernard's dinner, break his toys, and even eat Bernard, without being noticed!

  • Published: 4 December 2011
  • ISBN: 9781849399258
  • Imprint: Andersen Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 32

About the author

David McKee

David is the creator of several well-known characters including King Rollo and Mr Benn. His most famous creation is Elmer the Patchwork Elephant which is now published in more than 50 languages and has its own successful global merchandise programme.
David McKee was born in Devon and went to Plymouth Art College, where he had a traditional training. On leaving college he drew regularly for, among others, Punch, Reader’s Digest, and The Times Educational Supplement. His drawings were influenced especially by Saul Steinberg and Andre Francois. David lives in Arles, France.

Also by David McKee

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Praise for Not Now, Bernard

My favourite books for very young children are Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak and Not Now Bernard by David McKee.

Michael Rosen

Not Now Bernard is THE book of our times

Frank Cottrell-Boyce

It's so good!

Adam Buxton

Possibly my favourite picture book of all time. It's so powerful, it's so funny, dark - it's everything. That to me is the number one kids book of all time... It's funny to a four year old and meaningful to a 36 year old

Ben Bailey Smith aka Doc Brown

Even very young children see the joke.

T.E.S.

Shows David McKee's droll, deadpan humour at its very best.

Books for Keeps

Well-loved classic... Little ones will love (and recognise all too soon!) the oft-repeated 'Not now, Bernard', leaving older children and their parents to appreciate the black humour and static, expressive illustrations

Guardian, The Best New Children's Books supplement

I adore this book, it's one of my favourite picture books, now out in mini version. . . With one sentence per page this hilarious book with wonderfully expressive illustrations is great for beginner readers, but I would recommend it to all ages and abilities. I've lost count the number of times I have read it, but it still makes me laugh out loud. The last but one picture in particular is a classic!

Debbie Williams, Primary Times

A brilliant image of parent-child relationships . . . that brings matching ear-to-ear grins to every grown-up and child-in-the-lap'

Books for Keeps

A brilliant fable

Tony Bradman, The Ultimate First Book Guide

Very funny, written very dryly and is a sobering lesson to all us busy parents who sometimes get distracted!

Lucy Owen, Western Mail Cardiff

Opened my eyes to what was possible with children's writing. Helped me realise that nothing needs to be taboo - its all in how you treat the material.

Sophie Mckenzie, Lovereading Guest Editor

An Andersen classic. Hilarious cautionary tale.

Michael Rosen, Lovereading Guest Editor

This is a true classic!

The Good Book Guide

This will always have a special place in my heart, being the first book I ever remember reading. Future generations can revel in its simple and macabre story.

Absolutely Fulham

Even very young children see the joke.

T.E.S.

Shows David McKee's droll, deadpan humour at its very best.

Books for Keeps

I adore this book, it's one of my favourite picture books, now out in mini version. . . With one sentence per page this hilarious book with wonderfully expressive illustrations is great for beginner readers, but I would recommend it to all ages and abilities. I've lost count the number of times I have read it, but it still makes me laugh out loud. The last but one picture in particular is a classic!

Debbie Williams, Primary Times

A brilliant image of parent-child relationships . . . that brings matching ear-to-ear grins to every grown-up and child-in-the-lap'

Books for Keeps

A brilliant fable

Tony Bradman, The Ultimate First Book Guide

A black comedy for children.

The Week