Nothing Happened

by Bill Harley, Ann Miya (Illustrator)

A little boy stays up all night to see what happens in his house after his bedtime

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1995

About the author

A two-time Grammy award-winning artist and recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the RI Council for the Humanities, Bill uses song and story to paint a vibrant and hilarious picture of growing up, schooling and family life. His work spans the generation gap, reminds us of our common humanity and challenges us to be our very best selves. A prolific author and recording artist, Bill tours nationwide as an author, performing artist and keynote speaker.

Reviews

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each time my daughter and I sit down to read a large stack of picture books from the library there always seems to be one she is less than excited to read, and she places it at the bottom of the stack or when asked to choose what to read next she leaves it for last. Nothing Happened was last nights book that she was sure was going to be lame. “Come on mom a book about nothing happening… sounds exciting.” She inherited this sarcastic gene from both parents. As usual, she was forced to admit that she was wrong and should not have judged the book by its cover, or in this case its title.

Nothing Happened is a tale of a young boy, Jack, who is desperate to know what exciting things his parents and older brother do after he is forced to go to bed. He is sure that each night is a celebration of Jack’s slumber; that possibly even his friends come over to enjoy the merriment. This is a book that all children will find relatable and fun, a perfect bedtime story.

[Jadai Mcgee]

Nothing happened is a story I'm sure all students can relate to. This little boy thinks he misses out on a fun party that happens when he goes to bed. After all his investigations, he realizes nothing happens. This a a great book teachers can use to teach about plot and realistic fiction.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting more from Bill Harley, but it was ok. A younger brother stays up all night to see what happens while the older ones in his family are awake.