That is Not a Good Idea

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Willems, Mo. That is Not a Good Idea!. New York, NY: Balzer + Bray, 2013.  ISBN 9780062203090.

2. PLOT SUMMARY

This is the story of a hungry fox who invites a goose to go on a walk. The goose agrees, against the protestations of several baby geese. The fox leads her into the woods and eventually to his kitchen where they prepare water for soup, each time against the advice of the baby geese. The fox finally tries to trick the goose to get her into the pot, but he gets pushed in instead. The baby geese reiterate that they warned him and then enjoy a bowl of soup.  

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This is an incredibly humorous story with a little twist at the end. From the beginning, readers are led to feel concerned about the invitation that the sweet goose accepts from the sly fox. Tension builds as the baby geese send out warning after warning, but it isn’t until the end that readers determine for whom the warning was actually intended.

The book is filled with wonderful full page illustrations. All characters appear in simple colors with expressive faces and unique details in each scene. The dialogue of the main characters is written on black pages with white print. This style is reminiscent of silent movies where evil villains often prey on sweet innocent female victims. Readers can almost hear the increasingly frantic warnings from the baby geese, but just like in a movie the victim doesn’t listen. Observant readers may also find some of Willems’ other characters hiding throughout the book.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

From School Library Journal: "This charmer is lovingly composed as an homage to silent movies and the concept of picture books as the "theater of the lap."”

From Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books: “Kids will clamor for a re-viewing and be pleased to note that the book cleverly sets itself up for the story going either way. This is also a delight to voice, with the goslings particularly enjoyable to act out.”

From Kirkus Reviews: “Exceptionally observant readers may anticipate the twist, but that won't spoil the enjoyment of this fun-loving fractured fable. Minimal text makes this book ideal for read-alouds and discussions of fable and fairy-tale motifs. Pure glee.”

5. CONNECTIONS

Gather other humorous books such as:

•                      Klassen, Jon. I Want My Hat Back. ISBN 0763655988

•                      Reynolds, Aaron. Creepy Carrots. ISBN 9781442402973

Gather other books by Mo Willems such as:

•                      Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. ISBN 9780786819881

•                      There is a Bird on Your Head. ISBN 9781423106869

•                      Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale. ISBN 9780786818709

•                      Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs. ISBN 9780062104182

Use as a mentor text for a writing lesson about a time you made a bad decision.

Use with a primary level science unit on safety rules and procedures.