"Several recent picture books play to this essential aspect of little-kid humor—the thrill of being in on the joke. Like the best Marx Brothers routines, these books set up a premise that unravels, with escalating absurdity, while kid listeners are given the satisfaction of knowing more than the story's narrators."
"'Don't Trust Fish' (2025), written by Neil Sharpson and illustrated by Dan Santat, starts off with bland information about different types of animals. But after a few lines about reptiles and birds, things quickly go awry. When a page turn reveals an anodyne greenish fish, the narrator warns, 'DON'T TRUST FISH,' and proceeds to list all the reasons not to."
Recent picture books featuring unreliable narrators engage children by allowing them to feel smarter than the story. These books create humor through absurdity and unexpected twists, similar to classic comedy routines. For instance, 'Don't Trust Fish' by Neil Sharpson introduces basic animal facts before humorously warning readers against trusting fish, highlighting their unpredictable nature. This setup gives children the satisfaction of being in on the joke, enhancing their reading experience and enjoyment.
Read at The New Yorker
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