The End (Almost) by Jim Benton-NOT RECOMMENDED

Benton, Jim The End (Almost). PICTURE BOOK. Scholastic, 2014. $16.99.  Donut the bear loves to read. When this particularly short story ends, Donut is not ready.  He tries every way possible to continue the story even though the reader is out of pages and the story is really over. Donut even tries to hide behind a sign that says, “You Can’t See Me”  hoping that the reader will continue. Finally the reader asks if Donut would like the story read a second time. Not surprising, the second reading is equally short.  The illustrations are clever and created by New York Times bestselling author Jim Benton.  The story has the potential of being a great one, but this book missed the mark for us.  The idea that children love story time and don’t want favorite books to end is creative.  I can’t put my finger on why, but when the book ended, we looked at each other, shrugged our shoulders and moved on to another book.  We simply didn’t feel like the author succeeded in reaching his initial goal or idea.  Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  NOT RECOMMENED. Reviewer: SL.