School Library Journal Review
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. VERDICT A playful, interactive read-aloud that provides an appealing bedtime-focused spin, even if it doesn't quite match Hervé Tullet's Press Here and B.J. Novak's The Book with No Pictures.-Kimberly Tolson, Concord Free Public Library, MA © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Bedtime-delayers are offered a simple deal in this clever interactive book by the late Rosenthal: "If you can avoid getting to the end of this book, you can avoid bedtime." The catch is that with every blink, a page must be turned. Seeing that the reader needs some assistance to keep from blinking, a no-nonsense owl helpfully suggests a series of strategies for keeping one's eyes open. Staring intensely is recommended; optical illusions are offered. But when readers are prompted to get all their blinks out in one super fast attempt, the result is a 23-page leap that brings readers dangerously close to the end, compelling Owl to propose the last possible alternative: leave both eyes closed. Roberts's illustrations are spare but effective, with Owl's big personality and expressive fonts (the word "blurry" actually looks blurry) commanding attention on each page. Set against a white backdrop, Owl starts out wide-eyed, with fatigue's progression marked by pages that gradually darken and eyelids that eventually droop. With her signature wit, humor, and creativity, Rosenthal slyly encourages even the most stubborn of bedtime avoiders to drift off to sleep. Ages 3-7. Author's agent: Amy Rennert, Amy Rennert Agency. Illustrator's agent: Christine Isteed, Artists Partners. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.