Let's Do Nothing! by Tony Fucile

Let's Do Nothing! by Tony Fucile
Geared Towards: Ages 4-7
Published By: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: May 12, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3440-7

Have you ever sat still and tried to do nothing? Better yet, have you ever told a child to sit still and do nothing? Were you met with the realization that even when you try your best to do absolutely nothing it's actually an impossible goal to achieve? That's what the boys, Frankie and Sal, discover in Tony Fucile's debut children's picture book, Let's Do Nothing!

Having done seemingly everything there is to do and having played seeminly everything there is to play, Frankie and Sal look for something to occupy their time with. When they decide to play a game of "do nothing" they quickly discover that doing nothing isn't as easy as it sounds. Every time they set their minds on a "do nothing" task, such as be a still statue, a tree, and a sturdy sky scraper, Frankie finds that while he can make his body respond properly at first he can't maintain the still facade. For you see, all the while his body is trying to stay still, his mind is working overtime as he imagines himself in each scene but with added distractions.

My three year old and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book together. It was fun to see what the kids would attempt to do on their "do nothing" adventure, and even more fun was trying to act out those same scenes together along with them. Every child has surely, at one time or another, played the statue game. And that's basically what the children in this book were attempting to do. So, more less, reading Let's Do Nothing! is not just a book for storytime, but inspiration to play a game as well. That's what made it all the more exciting.

If you enjoyed the animation is such cartoon films as The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles then you'll be thrilled to learn that the author/illustrator of this book had his hand in the character design and animation of all of them and more. Having been in the design/animation field for over twenty years, Fucile provides solid and creative illustrations to accompany his humorous literary debut. Each picture is simple, but totally grabs the reader's attention. Fucile has perfected the ability to infuse life in to otherwise flat characters on the page. It is true artistry when even such unadorned illustrations can show such emotion and give the reader a clear picture of how the characters displayed are truly feeling. The illustrations mirrored the gaiety inspired by the story, and allowed for the author's humor to really shine through his art as well as his words.

As a parent, I appreciated how the author showed kids having fun and using their imaginations. I also thought it was great because this book makes you think about how much our bodies really do even when we try our hardest to not do anything at all. It showcases the intricate complexities of our person, and how amazing we really are. And through it all it shows how to really have fun, even when you don't have a million and one toys at your disposable. A great inspiration for the kids of today's techno savvy, digital age.

Thanks to Candlewick for the review opportunity! This was one of the most fun children's books my daughter and I have read as of late!

OUR RATING: 5 hearts