Reviews
'packed in visual vim as well as ample wit.' Kitty Empire's Chapter Books of the Year, Observer
'this is a strange and entertaining story that has a lot of fun exploring some of our ideas about reading and what we expect from a book. The funny illustrations by Tor Freeman are the perfect match for the clever, brilliantly silly story.' The Week Junior
'Splendidly illustrated by Tor Freeman , The Book… combines snarky silliness with a paean to the limitless possibilities of the blank page.' 'Chapter Books of the Month', The Observer
'For imagination giving: The Book That No One Wanted To Read by Richard Ayoade
An inspired way to get younger minds into the joy of books is Richard Ayoade’s funny, bonkers and brilliant new read that’s joyfully illustrated by Tor Freeman' Stylist, 'Christmas Gift Guide for Book Lovers'
'What is it that makes you want to read a book? This laugh-out-loud, hilarious book will give you all the answers.' Books of the Year, The Week Junior
'Packed with wit, warmth and wisdom – a hilarious but heartfelt guide to the power of the imagination in every child.' Piers Torday
'A very – very – funny book that’s also a playfully philosophical exploration of why we write and why we read.' Mac Barnett, author of Sam and Dave Dig a Hole and What Is Love?
'So clever, witty and funny. Like Borges for kids.
A beautifully-worked metaphysical conceit, with some very funny childish jokes.' David Baddiel
'Everything Richard does turns to gold and this is an absolute treat! packed with ideas and so funny.' Noel Fielding
'Richard Ayoade and Tor Freeman are a dreamus teamus.' Jim Smith, creator of Barry Loser
'Richard Ayoade is one of the funniest people ever to write a book, which is an impressive achievement because there have been at least nine books written so far in human history... possibly more! Anyway, this is a book about a book discovering how best to be a book, with the help of someone who knows about books (but isn't a book). Bamboozled? Don't worry, it's properly amazing and the illustrations are perfect. I loved it so very, very much.' Greg Jenner
'The most inaccurate title in the entire history of literature
The Book That No One Wanted to Read should immediately be re-titled The Book That I Read And Immediately Wanted to Read All Over Again. It’s stupendously funny, it’s mind-meltingly clever, it’s snort-inducingly silly and it’s meta-tactically post-modern all at the same time. How is this possible? Only by combining the planet-sized brain of Richard Ayoade and the uber-talented fingers of Tor Freeman. Everything single page is a delight, from camel wrangling to dragon school. Who else but Richard could make the main character in a book… a book? It’s such a brilliant idea that it made me sit in the corner in a foetal position for a full hour.' Chris Smith, author of the Kid Normal books
'I am very annoyed that this book is called The Book That No One Wanted To Read. This is an out-and-out lie, because I have read it and it is very funny, with brilliant illustrations. It should be called The Book That Everyone Wanted To Read. I shall be making a formal complaint.' Nadia Shireen
'Featured in the October previews' The Bookseller
'[…]this is a book that everyone should read, a book that wants to be read by everyone, it shares the feelings of all those forgotten books and reminds us why reading is so much fun.' Armadillo Magazine
'This is one of the most crazy books I’ve ever read […] or Freeman captures with panache, Richard Ayoade’s wry humour in her wonderfully quirky illustrations that accompany the narration. Contrary to its title, this is a book you most definitely WILL want to read.' Red Reading Hub
'This book was really great, the pictures were very funny and it had a ridiculous story, the book is actually telling the story (it told me not to turn corners over to keep my place and now I don't-sorry book!). I read it in one day because it was so funny and showed it to all my friends. I hope this very funny author writes more children books.' Toppsta Reviewer, age 9
'This book (that no one wanted to read) was brilliant and really really funny. It made me think of books in a different way. [...] The ending inspires the reader to continue the story and I’m hoping to write my own story about it. I will also recommend it to my year 6 class.' Toppsta Reviewer, age 10
'Funny illustrations. Really easy to read to myself and I read a chapter every night after school.' Toppsta Reviewer, age 10
'The book is funny and really makes you think about what it is like to be a book! It was funny but also sarcastic which I loved and I know that this book will be one that everyone wants to read as it is so good.' Toppsta Reviewer
'At moments both my grandson and I were laughing out loud both at the prose and the pictures. You could easily believe you were the book it takes you through various scenarios. Well worth reading.' Toppsta Reviewer
'Weird, funny, cute, and really made me think about loneliness, which I didn't expect from this writer. The illustrations are SO good' Toppsta Reviewer, age 10
'Lots of short sharp Witty fun! It’s a refreshing and lighthearted read, would recommend this, it flows so well, and the pictures are hilarious!' Toppsta Reviewer
'The Book That No One Wanted To Read is a hilarious read which I read in one sitting. You can’t help but love Book […] Lots of credit must go to the witty illustrations from Tor Freeman, who compliments Richard’s words perfectly' Check Em Out Books
'Clever wordplay, references to beloved stories and well-known fables, and the unusual placing of the reader as a central character make this a more knowing, interactive experience than most tales.' Just Imagine
'A brilliant and funny book.' The Strawberry Post
'Readers will likely never have read something like this before […] There is an array of fantastic and impressive vocabulary throughout the book, and it is sure to entertain children and adults alike.' The School Librarian