Don't Blink!

PreS-Gr 1—A cute, gray owl with huge eyes sets the stage in this interactive book. The premise is that readers can dodge bedtime simply by avoiding reaching the end of the book. As the title suggests, the way to do this is not to blink. Each time readers blink, they have to turn the page. The owl suggests all sorts of techniques to help—a staring contest, focusing on an optical illusion, even physically holding their eyelids open. The text is engaging and kids will enjoy the challenge of trying not to blink. The illustrations are simple, most spreads showing just the owl on a plain white background. About halfway through, black and gray appear at the top and bottom of each spread, as if viewers are looking out through eyelids growing heavier. This clever technique continues until there is only a slit of white page left and the owl finally suggests that readers close their eyes to keep from blinking.