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Books like John Patrick Norman McHennessy
A masterclass in deadpan absurdity where a child's wild reality quietly triumphs over rigid adult skepticism. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with John Patrick Norman McHennessy.
- whimsical
- ironic
- quietly rebellious
- 01
Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge
Mem Fox
A tender exploration of memory and friendship that bridges the gap between the very young and the elderly.
- 02
Would You Rather?
John Burningham · 1999
A delightfully interactive gauntlet of absurd dilemmas that burns off bedtime energy before tucking the reader in.
- 03
Mr. Gumpy's Outing
John Burningham · 1976
A sun-dappled, cumulative river journey where polite boundaries inevitably give way to joyful, splashing chaos and warm forgiveness.
- 04
Marvin K. Mooney, will you please go now!
Dr. Seuss · 1972
A delightfully exasperated, rhythmically escalating plea for someone to just leave already, by any absurd means necessary.
- 05
Not now, Bernard
David McKee
A brisk, highly visual exploration of childhood imagination where everyday parental distraction gives way to monstrous encounters.
- 06
Never spit on your shoes
Denys Cazet
A playful, ironic look at the hilarious gap between a child's calm recounting of their day and the actual chaos that ensued.
- 07
This moose belongs to me
Oliver Jeffers
A delightfully deadpan exploration of the absurdity of trying to tame the wild, set against majestic, sweeping landscapes.
- 08
Alfie gets in first
Shirley Hughes
A gentle, community-centered tale of a small childhood mishap that brings a neighborhood together.
- 09
Time to Say "Please"!
Mo Willems
A riotous, high-energy crash course in the magic words that make the world go round.
- 10
I Don't Want to Go to Hospital
Tony Ross · 2000
A cheeky, reassuring exploration of childhood stubbornness that transforms a scary medical visit into a surprisingly pleasant adventure.
- 11
The adventures of Bert
Allan Ahlberg · 2001
A delightfully deadpan romp through escalating, everyday absurdities that begs to be read aloud.
- 12
That Is Not A Good Idea
Mo Willems
A delightfully interactive pantomime of suspense that turns a classic predator-prey trope completely on its head.
