Don't Blink!

Don't Blink! #1

by Tom Booth

Think you can win a staring contest against an elephant? What about a gorilla, a cheetah, a fox, or an alligator? What about all them AND a bunch of their other animal friends at the same time? You're about to find out!

Whatever you do DON'T BLINK!

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Humor, Storytime, Fiction, Juvenile

32 pages, Hardcover

First published June 6, 2017

About the author

Art director by day and author-illustrator by night, Tom Booth is a maker of acclaimed children’s books, including Don't Blink!, This Is Christmas, and Who Wins? He made his earliest marks — sometimes on his parents’ antique kitchen table — growing up in Pennsylvania. Now living in Brooklyn, New York, he is currently at work on several children’s books on a table all his own.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young girl initiates a staring contest with the reader/listener in this meta-fictional picture-book, involving an ever-growing coterie of animal companions in the contest as the narrative progresses. Every creature seems to want in on the contest, and the girl instructs each not to blink - but can they keep their eyes open? Who will win the contest, in the end?

I got a kick out of Don't Blink!, which reminded me of staring contests I would get into with my sisters as a girl. The narrative breaks the fourth wall, as the girl directly addresses the reader, in issuing her challenge, and this provides a measure of interactive fun, as many young children will no doubt try to follow the command issued in the title. I found the premise here amusing, and I also enjoyed Tom Booth's artwork, which reminded me a bit of the illustrations of Jon Klassen. Perhaps the color palette? Whatever the case may be, the visuals here were quite appealing

[Nicholas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The staring contest in this book starts off between the reader and one character in the book, and more animal characters join in as the pages turn. Each new animal is a wonderful surprise, and the illustrations are so good that each very much has its own personality. Cannot wait to share this book with my nieces and nephews, and probably have some fun with staring contests of our own!

[Matthew Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the upsides of being a librarian is that you may stumble across a book you would never have looked for. I picked up Don't Blink to study the art style and found a uniquely told story within. Although reading it to impatient young readers can become a bit repetitive (my two-year-old sister wouldn't let me finish the pages after a while), the story builds to a suitable conclusion, and also it's really, really funny.

…I still haven't gotten around to studying the art style.

[Tip Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to any child especially a child with no siblings who always need a friend to play with....this book includes the child and they engage in a staring contest.

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the illustrations inside this story as I thought the animals were cute. As each animal enters the page, their eyes caught my attention as they stared right into mine. I thought the story was cute but it was boring and wouldn’t be a book that would be read over and over.

It’s a staring competition and you are in it. It begins with a little girl and she wants to have a staring contest with you, the reader. As you turn the page, other animals join in and stare back at you with the little girl. I think I would have liked this children’s book more had there been something funny in the novel such as the animals wearing sunglasses on one page or the animals wearing clothing on one page, just something to make me/children smile or laugh. The only thing that made me smile in this novel was when the monkey yelled, “STARING CONTEST” which was out of the ordinary for this novel. Some children might like this calm children’s book but it just didn’t do much for me.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute, engaging read aloud

[KC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Silly story about a staring contest!

[Audrey Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this little book at a book sale and I honestly thought it was such a simple book but so much fun for young ones.

[Jeimy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reader faces the animals in this book in a staring contest.

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would would be ADORABLE in an in person storytime. I mean, all of the animals that appear determined to have a staring contest with us, the reader. But it's harder than it looks.....except for one animal.

But without kiddos around, the interactive factor is gone and while the illustrations are SO lovely, it just is not enough to make it a favorite.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would give it another star for the illustrations but cannot muster up the energy to make myself click the mouse.... *sigh* The illustrations were amazing but creepy after a bit. I would not do this for a story time though it might work as a one on one.

[Kelly Carey · Rating 2 out of 5]

The characters in this book stage a staring contest with the reader. Younger children might enjoy this book as it is very repetitive and invites the reader directly into the story.

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Booth is an incredible talent. This book will keep you and your children captivated through multiple reads. Just Don't Blink, or you might miss something...

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is cute and I think kids will giggle. Somewhat interactive in breaking the fourth wall and drawing the reader into the action. The illustrations ate great.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Disneyesque illustrations are the highlight of this simple, increasingly goofy story of a staring contest with the reader.

[Garrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is not a Doctor Who book, just a head's up. Still good, though. Great drawings and if you read fast enough, some of the kids in your story time will still have their eyes open.

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Our book today is Don’t Blink! by Tom Booth, a charming little tale of an epic staring contest.

A little girl sits cross-legged, staring at the reader, when a bird happens by and inquires as to what she’s doing. The girl explains that she is having a staring contest with “this kid”, pointing to the fourth wall, and the bird asks to join in. The girl welcomes the new player, and instructs the bird: “Just don’t blink!”. A fox shows up next, then an alligator, both asking to join the contest as well. Soon a whole menagerie has appeared, all holding on and trying not to blink. But all at once, they do. After a brief discussion of who the winner was, the animals depart – except for a tortoise who has been slowly making his way across the page all this time. He asks to join in the next round, and the girl and tortoise begin a rematch against the reader.

This was really cute. It’s a simple, straightforward tale that combines an adorable collection of animals, a great interactive premise, and fun dialogue-driven text with multiple voices that make it a delight to read aloud. The illustrations are darling, with the girl and each creature bright-eyed and full of character. JJ adored identifying all the animals, and loved the repetition of the “Don’t Blink” gag. The length is great for a quick read, and we really enjoyed it. Baby Bookworm approved!

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little girl sits in the middle of the page, looking right at the reader. When a bird flies up and asks her what she is doing, she replies that she’s having a staring contest with the child reading the book. As the pages turn, more and more animals join the staring contest, until the page is crowded with an elephant, fox, frog, porcupine, owl, giraffe, monkey and many more. Even a slow-moving tortoise is heading to the game. But before the tortoise can get to the center of the page, everyone has blinked. Perhaps another try?

Booth’s playfulness is fully on display in this picture book. The book is entirely written in dialogue that is color-coded to the animal speaking with dotted lines to clarify who is saying something. With so many animals on the page, this book lends itself to lots of various voices which will also add to the fun. The illustrations are modern and friendly, even the alligator being more toothy than frightening. All of the animals looking directly at the reader is also very effective.

A great pick to share aloud and have children try to win the staring contest. Or maybe the next one! Appropriate for ages 2-5.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fun picture book invites readers to participate in a staring contest with an ever-growing group of animals. Tom Booth's charming illustrations could be straight out of an animated movie. He defines each character with exaggerated shapes that perfectly represent the animal they're supposed to be, and imbuing them with plenty of personality. This would be an especially great read aloud if you can do different voices for each animal! I probably would have liked to see a few more jokes stemming from the nature of the different animals... For instance, the tortoise slowly crawling across the pages only to arrive just as the staring contest is ending. I wanted to see more moments like that. As it stands, the most animal characters could be swapped out for any other animals without changing the story at all. That's a small complaint, though, and I do think most young readers will enjoy showing off their knowledge by identifying each animal. :) Overall, this would be great fun as a read aloud one-on-one or in small groups, especially if you can do different voices for the animal characters!

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book, "Don't Blink!" (by Tom Booth), is a terrific story for sparking children's imagination and funny bones.

The entire book revolves around a little girl and a series of staring contests.

First, a bird flies by her and asks her what she's doing - as she stares at the book's audience with a smile.

"I'm having a staring contest," she says, furthermore adding that the person she's staring at is "you!" - the book's reader.

Other animals roam by as she cautions them with one rule - not to blink.

Following the bird, comes a fox. Then comes a turtle and an alligator. Suddenly, a monkey swings down and asks to join in. Then a gorilla, giraffe, porcupine, elephant, frog, owl and tiger join the fray - all asking to join in on the contest.

As almost everyone caves in and blinks, a slow and steady friend manages to win - albeit unbeknownst to him.

"Don't Blink!" is a playful, cheery book sure to be a hit with young children ages 4-5.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the cover and the endpages, we know the turtle will be important in the story. We need to be patient to see how, just as it takes patience to win a staring contest!
Full color illustrations on a pale green background created with ink, graphite, charcoal or gouache then digitally refined. Double page spreads give the turtle plenty of space and time to arrive.
Some students will recognize that the story starts all over again (they like to call it a 'circle story') and they'd have fun thinking about what other animals might come along to join the game.
Set in the outdoors, this could serve as a prelude to a walk in the woods, and to encourage youngsters to sit quietly to see what animals might come out of hiding.

[Amber Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Booth created an incredibly clever idea for this debut picture book and my kids and I were immediately in love with it. A starting contest between the reader and the characters in the book, what fun! It starts with one girl engaging in a contest with the reader and throughout the book many animal friends join in always reminding each other, "Don't Blink!" Until they start to get tired and then, who will win?!
The illustrations will quickly captivate the reader and draw them into the story. Hoping we get to see more from Tom Booth!

[Camille Rickis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very fun book in which the narrator, a little girl, includes the reader in a staring contest. As the pages progress, more and more animals join the staring contest. The reader feels as if they are really a part of the game, and that they should not blink for fear of losing the game. The illustrations are digital and look very modern, and the simple yet clever plot makes for a good read for all ages. However because of the importance of the details of the illustrations, this book is better read one-on-one and not as a read-aloud.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one for young kids, and they will love it. A little girl begins a staring contest as all kids do sometimes, but the surprise is how very many interesting characters join in, and the one that stays behind. And the contest is with the reader! Wonderfully bright illustrations focus on those open and “unblinking” eyes, until. . . the surprise ending. It’s a laugh out loud book for sure!

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun interactive book! The characters and the reader are having a staring contest: don't blink! I loved, loved, loved the illustrations in this one; especially the crocodile and the tortoise! Most of the text is repeated conversation between the characters as more and more join in, but some of it is directed at the reader. I really enjoyed this one!

[Heydi Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly, the illustrations are phenomenal!!! The subject matter is unique. The ‘story’ however, does fall short of keeping your attention. Unfortunately, I think this is a one time read that won’t be asked for again. It’s sad but true. I do hope to see more from this author though as he definitely has talent.

[☆Maggie☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a super cute and unique story! I love children's books that break the 4th wall and really engage the reader, and to do so by having a staring contest with the reader--brilliant! And the illustrations are beautiful in this book. Don't Blink is all around a really great picture book.

[Tahlor Kimble · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very short story but it's definitely worth the read. The illustrations are absolutely amazing and I really enjoyed that part of the book. Also if you are teaching a lesson and trying to get all the kids eyes up to the front of the room this is a great way to get their attention. I like how the girl in the book has a staring contest with the reader.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the right audience this is perfect. I would have loved it when I was a kid; my brothers didn't like staring contests as much as I did (they were more into Who can hold their breath the longest?). I love the art. I strongly recommend you try it on your child if your library has it. Adults like me may not be overly impressed.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book for my nephews and they LOVED it! They wanted to read it over and over and told me every animal they saw on each page (there were plenty!) and tried to keep their eyes open the whole time. It was a fun read and I'd highly recommend it as an engaging story for little ones!