This Is A Serious Book by Jodie Parachini | Picture Book Review

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

A serious book is black-and-white, and it informs the reader. So why are a donkey in a flowered hat, a laughing zebra, a hissing snake, a marching penguin and cavorting monkeys in this book? Join the fun as the animals take control, effortlessly and with great style and humour, in this new picture book that is both very silly and very sophisticated, to be enjoyed by all ages . . .

WHY DID I READ THIS BOOK?

This Is A Serious Book by Jodie Parachini and illustrated by Daniel Rieley showed up randomly, unsolicited in my mail. However, I was actually genuinely excited for this picture book. You see, it came during my pregnancy and how exciting that things magically show up that will build my son’s library. I actually read This Is A Serious Book for two reasons. The first reason being that I needed books to count toward my goodreads goal and this would take all of five seconds to read. The second reason being that I wanted to get familiar with picture books so that way I am knowledgeable when reading to my son and selecting books for him.

WHAT’S THE STORY HERE?

Jodie Parachini’s This Is A Serious Book basically details out all the things that serious books have. I mean, you don’t have loud noises or farts or colors. Also, no monkeys. The book basically follows a donkey around and he becomes a zebra or makes friends with a zebra. We then learn that, just kidding, this is totally not a serious book. In fact, it is a silly book. It’s actually pretty cute how the book shows that it is okay to be silly and have fun.

HOW’S THE ARTWORK?

Daniel Rieley is the illustrator for this book. I think he makes great use of white space. There’s a lot of it in the beginning. Then, his art begins to build into all this color. It is perfect for the progression of the story and the book. The art is pretty simplistic and not overly detailed. I would say it comes across as child friendly and very appealing.

WHO IS RECOMMENDED AUDIENCE FOR THIS PICTURE BOOK?

I think kids who take themselves too seriously and need to learn that it’s okay to be silly should read this book.

Also, children who like animals will enjoy this book as well.

Other reviews of This Is A Serious Book by Jodie Parachini:

• Kids’ Book Review – “clean fun“

Click here to support Good Books & Good Wine with your purchase of This Is A Serious Book:

The following two tabs change content below.

• Bio
• Latest Posts

April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

Latest posts by April (Books&Wine) (see all)

• Three Middle Grade Recommendations - May 27, 2025
• Dream On, Ramona Riley by Ashley Herring Blake | Audiobook Review - May 24, 2025
• You Lucky Dog by Julia London | Audiobook Review - May 22, 2025