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No Boring Stories
A group of odd animals is annoyed when a bunny tries to infiltrate their writing group. What could she possibly offer to their group? Surely she only wants to write about sharing and mommies and cuddling!
A story about finding your people and following your heart, even if your heart is telling you to write about evil attacking grapes from outer space.
A story about finding your people and following your heart, even if your heart is telling you to write about evil attacking grapes from outer space.
First published November 6, 2018
About the author
Julie Falatko
13 books135 followersJulie Falatko is the award-winning author of picture books and novels, including Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book), the Two Dogs in a Trench Coat series, The Great Indoors, Yours in Books, and many more.
Originally from New Jersey, Julie now lives in Maine with her family.
Originally from New Jersey, Julie now lives in Maine with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
December 15, 2019
Read for my daughter. A fun read about a bunch of animals wanting to get together to write a one of a kind story, except they don’t want to invite a bunny but she sneaks in to their meeting anyway.
January 13, 2019
A group of friends are part of a writing group, and they plan on writing a story is that will NOT have the following:
- Mommy cats tucking fluffy kittens into bed
- Fuzzy ducklings waddling to the pond
- Bear cubs giving birthday hugs
- And definitely no BORING STORIES about adorable bunnies
So you can imagine their reaction when a bunny wants to join their writing group.
This cute picture book reminds us all that we often make incorrect assumptions about others, and it might be better if we actually listened before judging others.
- Mommy cats tucking fluffy kittens into bed
- Fuzzy ducklings waddling to the pond
- Bear cubs giving birthday hugs
- And definitely no BORING STORIES about adorable bunnies
So you can imagine their reaction when a bunny wants to join their writing group.
This cute picture book reminds us all that we often make incorrect assumptions about others, and it might be better if we actually listened before judging others.
October 21, 2018
Hilarious! (And NOT boring!)
June 16, 2019
An assortment of strange but real critters workshop a story together and refuse to let a common bunny join because of blatant cute prejudice.
It would never have occurred to me to write a picture book about a writing group, but it works on multiple levels, not least the advantage of diverse voices in a group.
Library copy
It would never have occurred to me to write a picture book about a writing group, but it works on multiple levels, not least the advantage of diverse voices in a group.
Library copy
August 16, 2018
Probably one of the best meta picture books I've read on writing and creating stories yet. Hilarious with strong narrative intent from start to finish. Highly recommended.
February 8, 2019
Hey, look! It's any girl EVER trying to join ANY group of people....pretty much ever. This book reminds me so much of the "gatekeepers" who try so hard to keep fluff out of THEIR spaces that they end up pushing away some quality folks who have a lot to contribute.
Fortunately, the International Society for Writers of Odd and Weird figures out (eventually) that maybe not all bunnies like to write stories about puppies and birthday parties.
Fortunately, the International Society for Writers of Odd and Weird figures out (eventually) that maybe not all bunnies like to write stories about puppies and birthday parties.
December 21, 2018
I thought the story and illustrations were delightful; very funny. I loved that three of the animals were unusual and not in every other picture book--the mole, the yeti crab and the babirusa. The fact that they think the bunny is going to like boring stories was funny.
February 8, 2019
Great children's story that deals with gatekeeping.
September 8, 2018
This bunny is tired of cuddly-sweet stories. She wants fierce action & battling grape monsters! However, the animals in No Boring Stories don't want to let a snuggly bunny in their misfit group... How will she convince them that she is in the same boat (or robot crab?) Bright, fun illustrations with characters to match, a charming book on how we shouldn't base what someone enjoys on how they look or who they are.
July 3, 2020
Thank you to Penguin for a free physical copy in exchange for my honest review.
No boring stories is a cute story that follows one bunny who just wants to have some input from some other storytellers. These other storytellers though don't want to let in him in their group and try to do everything they can to send him away. That is until finally he is able to give them an idea that helps their story and they are willing to listen to the bunny.
This is a great story that brings to mind how we all need a little help from others at times. Rather than help is in the form of coming up with an ending to a story, or something far bigger. We all need to listen to each other's ideas and to not judge people by how they look on the outside.
I can't wait to read this book to my niece now and to see her reaction to No Boring Stories.
See reviews first on my blog
No boring stories is a cute story that follows one bunny who just wants to have some input from some other storytellers. These other storytellers though don't want to let in him in their group and try to do everything they can to send him away. That is until finally he is able to give them an idea that helps their story and they are willing to listen to the bunny.
This is a great story that brings to mind how we all need a little help from others at times. Rather than help is in the form of coming up with an ending to a story, or something far bigger. We all need to listen to each other's ideas and to not judge people by how they look on the outside.
I can't wait to read this book to my niece now and to see her reaction to No Boring Stories.
See reviews first on my blog
August 28, 2020
A group of weird animals want to write interesting stories together. When a cute fuzzy bunny tries to join, they immediately shun her because they see her as representative of everything they DON'T want in a story. The story is partly the group of animals and their interactions with the bunny, and partly the story they are creating together.
For me, the story they were working on felt a little video gamey and off-putting. I've seen other books like this and have been told they are high interest for kids, but for both me, and the audience I usually read to, they are disjointed and don't hold our interest particularly.
For me, the story they were working on felt a little video gamey and off-putting. I've seen other books like this and have been told they are high interest for kids, but for both me, and the audience I usually read to, they are disjointed and don't hold our interest particularly.
January 10, 2019
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is No Boring Stories!, written by Julie Falatko and illustrated by Charles Santoso, a hilarious yet poignant look at the creative process.
Bunny has a head full of wonderful and strange story ideas, but her fellow “cute and cuddly” creators just don’t seem to get what she’s about. Seeing a sign for a meeting of the International Society for Writers Of Odd and Weird, Bunny is sure she has finally found a collaborative group – unfortunately, the offbeat animals (a babirusa, a yeti crab, a star-nosed mole, and a giraffe-necked weevil), repeatedly turn her away due to her bunny-ness. She tries to blend into the scenery, listening to the group collab on a story about a fearless princess and her team of heroes, but gives herself away when she blurts our story ideas. The Society is unmoved – what could a bunny offer to the world of odd and weird? How can Bunny show them that all she wants is a chance to share her talents?
Absolutely fantastic. A wildly entertaining blend of hilarious dialogue, action-packed illustrations, a crash-course in story structure, and an important lesson about snap judgements, that somehow never feels overwhelming. Indeed, many of the lessons are subtle, wrapped in the over-the-top text (crazy fun to read aloud, btw). Readers will learn terms like “rising action” and the concept of “relatable characters”, and (most importantly) the idea that one’s talent or aptitude for something is not predetermined by their appearance or background. The art is colorful, fun, and endearing, the length is great, and we both had a blast reading it. Emphatically Baby Bookworm approved!
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
February 5, 2019
No Boring Stories! by Julie Falatko, illustrated by Charles Santoso. PICTURE BOOK. Viking (Penguin Random). 2018. $18.00. 9780451476821
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
A group of misfits meets together to write stories that aren’t boring. They are creatures never featured in stories and they think its about time something besides cuddly animals get their day. The problem is that a cuddly bunny shows up and wants to be part of their group. Can they somehow all work together to create a story that isn’t boring? Features cute harmonious illustrations.
This is an interesting book because it gently asks us to look at typical book characters. While, at least us librarians know there is a serious lack of cultural and racial diversity in books and especially book covers. (A lack of fearless female biographies seems to be on the upswing in a major way though). It also brings up the topic of boring, are sweet books boring? What makes a story boring? What makes it exciting? This book could be used by teachers or librarians for a variety of lessons. Students will find it appeal because the cover is great and the characters are interesting.
Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
A group of misfits meets together to write stories that aren’t boring. They are creatures never featured in stories and they think its about time something besides cuddly animals get their day. The problem is that a cuddly bunny shows up and wants to be part of their group. Can they somehow all work together to create a story that isn’t boring? Features cute harmonious illustrations.
This is an interesting book because it gently asks us to look at typical book characters. While, at least us librarians know there is a serious lack of cultural and racial diversity in books and especially book covers. (A lack of fearless female biographies seems to be on the upswing in a major way though). It also brings up the topic of boring, are sweet books boring? What makes a story boring? What makes it exciting? This book could be used by teachers or librarians for a variety of lessons. Students will find it appeal because the cover is great and the characters are interesting.
Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
August 6, 2019
The International Society for Writers of Odd and Weird are about to hold a meeting ... as soon as they all show up. But wait ... who is this trying to sneak into the meeting? “You’re a Bunny! Intruder! Alert!” Star nosed Mole refuses to allow the bunny in because she just knows that the bunny writes boring stories about “cuddling and mommies and kittens and bedtime!’
When Giraffe-Necked Weevil, Yeti Crab and Barbirusa show up, the society continues working on their story. But Bunny interrupts them. Again, she is rebuffed and sent packing. As they go through their list of story elements (relatable characters, inciting incident, rising action, climax) they discover Bunny yet again listening to their conversation. She offers help, but the society insists that her stories will be boring and present evidence of all the boring bunny stories. But Bunny persists. “I like books where strange stuff happens. But everyone says my stories are too weird.” They finally allow Bunny to stay. And who knows, maybe she’ll help them with the ending.
Very cute. It would be a great read aloud for a launch lesson about peer editing and/or collaborative writing. The illustrations are adorable.
When Giraffe-Necked Weevil, Yeti Crab and Barbirusa show up, the society continues working on their story. But Bunny interrupts them. Again, she is rebuffed and sent packing. As they go through their list of story elements (relatable characters, inciting incident, rising action, climax) they discover Bunny yet again listening to their conversation. She offers help, but the society insists that her stories will be boring and present evidence of all the boring bunny stories. But Bunny persists. “I like books where strange stuff happens. But everyone says my stories are too weird.” They finally allow Bunny to stay. And who knows, maybe she’ll help them with the ending.
Very cute. It would be a great read aloud for a launch lesson about peer editing and/or collaborative writing. The illustrations are adorable.
June 1, 2019
This irresistible story has multiple layers, the main one being the characters’ desire for nontypical stories. No cute bears, rabbits, or ducklings wanted. No birthdays, cuddling or bedtime allowed. Oddball characters, Mole, Babirusa, Yeti Crab, and Giraffe-Necked Weevil, are determined to create an exciting story as the “International Society for Writers of Odd and Weird.” But too-cute bunny, an infiltrator, keeps interrupting. The illustrations are priceless! Through the developing story, Falatko manages to insert a layer on actual narrative structure and story elements. (genius!)
The story is told in dialogue bubbles and employs visual gags and hilariously expressive characters. It’s about assumptions, feeling left out, connecting with others, collaboration, imagination, writing the story you want to read, story structure, and I’m sure there’s more. I really love this gloriously layered story!
The story is told in dialogue bubbles and employs visual gags and hilariously expressive characters. It’s about assumptions, feeling left out, connecting with others, collaboration, imagination, writing the story you want to read, story structure, and I’m sure there’s more. I really love this gloriously layered story!
January 3, 2019
A group of animals who... tend not to star in stories have come up with their own story club/writers' group. However, a bunny really wants to join in, as she doesn't tend to write the kind of stories she is expected to, so she persists until the other animals realize what she is isn't important.
The truly humorous part, is that I read a stack of picture books at the same time as this one, and nearly every single one of them had elements that the "writers' group" sneers at in this story! A fun story of imagination and not taking others at face value, as they may just have the perfect ending for your beginning.
No content issues; however, the story the group is working on contains giant grapes attacking and in the end, they eat the grapes, which is kinda disturbing, but only if you think about it too much.
Read
October 26, 2019Twilight Tales -- StoryBlocks -- SRP 2020
Note: Library School Journal recommends this book for grades k - 3.
The unpopular animals have had enough. They want to be in a picture book! Stories about mommy-loving kitties and cuddly bunnies at bedtime are boring. Wouldn't you rather hear about yeti crabs in robo suits and fierce babirusa princesses who fight giant grape monsters?! This group of misfits has a unique story to tell, but they'll never finish writing it if their over-eager bunny neighbor won't GO AWAY! Julie Falatko, brings her signature humor to this stand-alone picture book about finding your tribe and writing the stories you want to see, no matter how weird or wild they are!
Subject: Authorship -- Juvenile fiction.
Storytelling -- Juvenile fiction.
Books and reading -- Juvenile fiction.
Animals -- Juvenile fiction.
Note: Library School Journal recommends this book for grades k - 3.
The unpopular animals have had enough. They want to be in a picture book! Stories about mommy-loving kitties and cuddly bunnies at bedtime are boring. Wouldn't you rather hear about yeti crabs in robo suits and fierce babirusa princesses who fight giant grape monsters?! This group of misfits has a unique story to tell, but they'll never finish writing it if their over-eager bunny neighbor won't GO AWAY! Julie Falatko, brings her signature humor to this stand-alone picture book about finding your tribe and writing the stories you want to see, no matter how weird or wild they are!
Subject: Authorship -- Juvenile fiction.
Storytelling -- Juvenile fiction.
Books and reading -- Juvenile fiction.
Animals -- Juvenile fiction.
January 5, 2019
A group of animals who don't normally get picked for stories meets for their regular writing group. They make only not boring stories, and get quite worried about a bunny who wants to join their group. Won't a normal story character make their story normal and boring?
This shared great elements of story writing in addition to being a fun story itself. I can honestly say I've never read another picture book featuring a yeti crab or a giraffe-necked weevil, so kids will get introduced to some obscure animals too. And of course, there's a great message about judging falsely based on appearances/stereotyping instead of by someone's personal character and abilities. Highly recommended for elementary English classes and anyone looking for engaging stories.
This shared great elements of story writing in addition to being a fun story itself. I can honestly say I've never read another picture book featuring a yeti crab or a giraffe-necked weevil, so kids will get introduced to some obscure animals too. And of course, there's a great message about judging falsely based on appearances/stereotyping instead of by someone's personal character and abilities. Highly recommended for elementary English classes and anyone looking for engaging stories.
January 20, 2019
For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle
Such an odd premise for a book that turns into a lovely and adorable story.
Sick of boring stories about bunnies being cute and cuddly, a group of strange animals band together to write their own exciting stories. When a bunny wants to join they group, they are quick to refuse.
A very cute story with a great message about judging people (or animals) before getting to know them and working together to collaborate on a project.
Very fun and adorable illustrations.
And an added bonus, the group comes up with their own strange and exciting story. It's like a story within a story. Very nice read.
Such an odd premise for a book that turns into a lovely and adorable story.
Sick of boring stories about bunnies being cute and cuddly, a group of strange animals band together to write their own exciting stories. When a bunny wants to join they group, they are quick to refuse.
A very cute story with a great message about judging people (or animals) before getting to know them and working together to collaborate on a project.
Very fun and adorable illustrations.
And an added bonus, the group comes up with their own strange and exciting story. It's like a story within a story. Very nice read.
June 22, 2019
I really liked this story, for myself, but I'm not sure it's a good fit for most primary-grade readers. There's lots of text, it would be a tough read-aloud, and it feels like there are lots of insider jokes for writers in a writing group. It might work well for a targeted audience of young authors in a classroom or club writing group.
I did like the way it pushed back on whose voices are included and what type of stories can be heard. It also disrupted gender stereotypes > girls can be warriors.
Note: The illustrator, Charles Santoso, also did the artwork for Applegate's Wishtree and Elana K. Arnold's A Boy Called Bat.
I did like the way it pushed back on whose voices are included and what type of stories can be heard. It also disrupted gender stereotypes > girls can be warriors.
Note: The illustrator, Charles Santoso, also did the artwork for Applegate's Wishtree and Elana K. Arnold's A Boy Called Bat.
January 21, 2019
There's a writing group which does NOT want Bunny to join them because bunnies are in too many stories already and they are writing a story about themselves. But Bunny needs their help, because they have fun interesting ideas, not boring like all the bunny books. Eventually they let him listen in. They have a great beginning but not a good ending. All along, Bunny has been taking notes and has come up with a clever exciting ending which the rest of the animals all love. Reluctantly, they agree to let him join their writing group as long as no cute little frogs or puppies show up next week.
May 31, 2019
Age: K-3rd grade
Writing
An adorable bunny finds a writer's support group for weird ideas and, although initially rejected due to her cuteness and presence in boring stories, she sneaks her hilariously bizarre ideas into a collaborative story.
Be sure to install your vocal modifier for a slew of distinct characters and dialogue. Obviously suitable for a young writers group, this would also be fun for a small group to collaboratively read like a script.
Side note: Be sure to start the story on the inside jacket artwork in order to understand how the story begins.
Writing
An adorable bunny finds a writer's support group for weird ideas and, although initially rejected due to her cuteness and presence in boring stories, she sneaks her hilariously bizarre ideas into a collaborative story.
Be sure to install your vocal modifier for a slew of distinct characters and dialogue. Obviously suitable for a young writers group, this would also be fun for a small group to collaboratively read like a script.
Side note: Be sure to start the story on the inside jacket artwork in order to understand how the story begins.
September 21, 2020
Checked this book out from the library with try before you buy approach.
For readers: I thought this book was more of a graphic novel training wheels project. It is funny but I am not sure if it is a wonderful read aloud without a lot of explaining tiny details in the illustrations.
For writers: I had someone suggest as a writer that this is a good book for using a cast of characters effectively.
If you are going to use it for showing how illustrations enhance the storytelling this would be a great example. Lots of details in the facial expressions of the characters.
For readers: I thought this book was more of a graphic novel training wheels project. It is funny but I am not sure if it is a wonderful read aloud without a lot of explaining tiny details in the illustrations.
For writers: I had someone suggest as a writer that this is a good book for using a cast of characters effectively.
If you are going to use it for showing how illustrations enhance the storytelling this would be a great example. Lots of details in the facial expressions of the characters.
December 13, 2018
"I like books where strange stuff happens. But everyone says my stories are too weird."
NOT ONLY IS THIS BOOK FUNNY AND ADORABLE, BUT IT'S ALSO ABOUT EMBRACING THE WEIRDNESS OF YOUR OWN IMAGINATION AND FINDING OTHER PEOPLE WHO CAN APPRECIATE AND SUPPORT YOU AS YOU PURSUE THINGS YOU CARE ABOUT. FOR WRITERS AND ANYONE WHO'S EVER FELT DRAWN TO IDEAS THAT OTHERS AREN'T QUITE SURE WHAT TO DO WITH, THIS BOOK IS WONDERFULLY RELATABLE. I LOVE IT.
February 27, 2019
Kind of weird, occasionally amusing, but too long. This book is partly about the wrongness of making assumptions about others (or outright excluding them) based on outward characteristics (not all members of a people group think or act the same, duh!) and partly about the importance of having like-minded people with whom to work out your ideas. Not a suitable book for story time, in my opinion, but would be a good read for older kids interested in the writing and/or collaborating process.
October 5, 2019
An adorable bunny finds a writer's support group for weird ideas and, although initially rejected due to her cuteness, she sneaks her hilariously bizarre ideas into a collaborative story.
Be sure to install your vocal modifier for a slew of distinct characters and dialogue. Obviously suitable for a young writers group, this would also be fun for a small group to collaboratively read aloud, like a script.
Reviewed by: Miss Kelsey, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
Be sure to install your vocal modifier for a slew of distinct characters and dialogue. Obviously suitable for a young writers group, this would also be fun for a small group to collaboratively read aloud, like a script.
Reviewed by: Miss Kelsey, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
April 21, 2021
A writing club on unconventional animals keeps refusing to allow bunny into their group. They insist that every book has a bunny in it and is boring, unlike the adventurous piece they are writing. But Bunny is looking to be in a writing group with fresh and interesting ideas and keeps sticking around to prove herself. A cute and funny story with hot writing tips, great for teaching writing and collaboration in the lower grades.
December 12, 2018
A group of animals gathers to write a story together. The bunny tries to join but they reject him as bunnies are in so many cute stories. They stereotype him without listening. They discover he wants to write the same types of adventure stories they do after a lot of sneaking and hiding to join them.
Use to talk about listening and seeing beyond the obvious.
Use to talk about listening and seeing beyond the obvious.
February 27, 2019
Four animals (mole, babirusa, weevil, crab) meet to come up with book ideas. They want wild and exciting stories. A bunny shows up at their meeting, but they don't want to hear the bunny's boring stories. Only, the bunny doesn't have boring stories. Silly story with nice artwork, but a little too much text to hold young readers interest for long.
May 18, 2019
A bunny is rejected from a writers group of odd-ish animals (star-nosed mole, Babirusa, yeti crab, and giraffe-necked weevil) because they are afraid that she will just want to tell cute, sweet little stories and that is not what they are about. But they soon learn that looks can be deceiving and the little bunny has weird and wonderful ideas, just like them.
Very cute illustrations.
Very cute illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews