Not Now, Bernard

I have had a larger 'Not Now Bernard' book for many years now and have read it with all my children. I saw this smaller paperback was available and decided to buy it to keep handy. This book is simple enough to enable even very young children to help their parents read the story. For them, it's a story they can join in with and it has a naughty monster in it. It's a lot of fun. For parents, it's actually a good reminder that, if you don't give your children enough positive attention, they will soon turn into little monsters. My partner remarked at the sadness of the story. Yes, it is sad that the little boy doesn't get any attention from his parents. However, I should think parents who are guilty of ignoring their children, even if only very slightly, might be more affected by the story as a whole. Guilt would probably be the most common feeling when reading this book. Think about this: If the story was just about a naughty boy being eaten by a monster and made no mention of his parents' neglect of him, we would probably jump at the chance to read it to our children, in the hope it would encourage them to behave themselves. However, because the behaviour of the parents is highlighted, it makes us feel differently about the story. No-one likes to feel their parenting skills are being questioned. I'd have to ask myself...am I worried this book will upset my child, or am I worried it will upset me? Personally, I'm happy with the story. It works as a simple reader, while reminding parents to spend quality time with their children while they're young, in order to reap the benefits later.

Great story

A good book. Amazon delivery driver left it out in the rain, propped up against the front door, despite people in the house.

So glad I managed to find this book as I loved this story and my little one loved it too

While reading the review entitled "Do not buy this book" my husband asked if I was going to buy this book and I replied that I already have. My son is now chanting "more Bernard, more Bernard". I appreciate the opinions of others in saying that there are other messages in the story and that they can be construed as sinister but to my two year old it is a simple story of a little monster which he is enjoying over and over again. I have the little pocket version which is great for taking places and keeping him entertained. I remember reading this as a child and it's great that I can share it with my boy. It never did me any harm and if anything it just tells you to give a bit more time to your loved ones.

Present for grandson - well received bcs it’s funny

This is a story about two neglectful parents who are so disinterested in the welfare and activities of their child, they fail to notice when he is savagely attacked and eaten in the garden by a monster. Presumably this sort of beastial attack would have generated screams, Bernards monster has some business-looking sharp teeth that protrude from his mouth. That said, the accept this child-murdering beast into the house, feed it and provide it with the bed of their recently deceased son. Great book, just as I remember it, but reading it as an adult, you have to think it has some questionable messages. I have been reminded of the importance of taking an active interest in my child's development and in performing regular back years checks for boy-eating Bernard butchers.

A classic simple story I remembered from childhood and from reading to children at work in a nursery .. so I bought it for my own LG. She loves it, she likes to look at it herself and point out the monster and tell me what he's doing... Yes I agree the story may not be the nicest with the parents ignoring their child, but my toddler focuses more on the monster doing human funny things like laying in the bed and saying night night. I got the board book and it's lovely quality and the colours etc are lovely, simple yet attractive.

It's fairly short to read and the kids love it. I enjoy it too!

A wonderful book that doesn't mince words (or pictures) to tell you the importance of paying attention to your child. It may be over 35 years old, but it is still relevant in today's busy lives. A much-needed reality check for parents.

Good condition, arrived in time.

Seul petit défaut, dans cette version, l'histoire est un peu tronquée mais elle reste géniale. Les pages cartonnées résistent aux multiples manipulations.

Cuento muy repetitivo, a mis hijos les encanta.