That's not funny, David!

PreS-Gr 2--For those who find the humor and heart in the wild, destructive David stories, the books are immensely rewarding, and That's Not Funny, David! fits that bill. It begins with a heartfelt author's note discussing the difficulty in finding "the line" between funny and hurtful. In traditional David style, each spread features the boy doing something naughty, with a stark voice admonishing the action. It shows plenty of things that are funny--splashing, slurping--but also some that are downright rude. It delves into the idea of going too far, encouraging David and readers to think through the consequences of their actions. Is this choice hurting someone? Then it's probably not great. VERDICT A wild romp discovering the boundaries of humor, with warmth and inspiration.

The circular-headed, triangular-toothed protagonist of Shannon's Caldecott Honor--winningNo, David! (1998) returns to prove once and for all that humor is subjective. An author's note at the book's beginning observes that, for kids, the line between funny and not funny is meant to be constantly tested. Enter David. Written entirely in admonishments by authority figures such as parents and teachers, the book stresses that David makes mischief not for the sake of being a nuisance, but more because it amuses him deeply (even if he's the only one who's amused). He might blow bubbles in his drink one moment or perform a cannonball in a crowded pool the next. The narrators--generally unseen, though readers catch glimpses of adults' hands and legs--protest, "That's not funny!" or "You always go too far!" Still, David can't seem to stop himself, which sometimes leads to painful consequences, like getting his head stuck between the bars on a porch or inadvertently wedging a peanut up his nose. A final admittance by a caregiver that sometimes David is funny ("What am I going to do with you?") caps everything off warmly. While there's little to distinguish this from previous David books, Shannon still knows how to appeal to readers. In the energetic, highly expressive art, David is tan-skinned; the supporting cast is diverse. More of the same from a kid who does what he does so well.(Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.