Guess What?

by Mem Fox, Vivienne Goodman (Illustrator)

Through a series of yes-or-no questions, the personality and occupation of Daisy O’Grady are revealed--she’s a witch! “A fascinating brew combining pop culture, Halloween symbols, favorite book characters, and the worthy message that even outrageously peculiar behavior may not be evil.”-- Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Picture Books, Banned Books, Halloween, Childrens, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Merrion Frances Fox is an Australian writer of children's books and an educationalist specialising in literacy. Fox has been semi-retired since 1996, but she still gives seminars and lives in Adelaide, South Australia.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a throwback review from back when I had my dream job:


One of my duties as a librarian is to hold up the rights of academic freedom! Book banning will not be tolerated! I have already had several run-ins with parents who object to my carefully chosen selections and I am always articulate in my defense. There's one book that is near the top of the banned books list, however, that I hope never comes up. I will turn into a listless idiot if I try to defend Vivienne Goodman's righteously awesome illustrations for Mem Fox's read-aloud masterpiece, "Guess What?" I can imagine the conversation:

Concerned Parent: This book is inappropriate for children.

Miss M: As a parent, you have the right to limit access to your own child's library books, but not every family shares your...

Concerned Parent: Why is there a dead fish lying in the crotch of her underwear?! That is disgusting! No kid should see that!

Miss M: Um...well, it's because she's a witch and there is a strong death motif that the animals in the book are...

Concerned Parent: She is naked on page 8! If she's so tall and thin, why does she have giant breasts? Why would a children's book have a naked lady in it?

Miss M: Some families feel strongly that nudity is not shameful and that...um...art?

Concerned parent: Do you see this bird?! It's sniffing her underwear! She has a Sex Pistils button on! Why?! It's inferred that she killed her husband! Why are they dragging poor Paddington Bear into her perversion?! Look, she's recruiting a child into her coven at the end! This book is filthy! And dangerous!

Miss M: Um, well, kids love this book.

Concerned Parent: They love all sorts of things that are bad for them, Miss Montambo! It's our job to protect them!

Miss M: Many of the parents in our community make bad decisions and it's important for their kids to have a message that even outrageously peculiar behavior may not be evil.

Concerned Parent: Did you see her pinky nails?! She has coke nails!

Miss M: Oh, fuck.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Australian author/artist team Mem Fox and Vivienne Goodman lead the reader through a guessing game about "that crazy lady called Daisy O'Grady" in this witchy picture-book. Each two-page spread features a question about the lady in question - is she tall?, does she wear a black dress? - on the right-hand-side page, and a full-page illustration on the left. Gradually, the reader realizes that Daisy O'Grady is a witch, although the narrative concludes with the information that she is not a mean one...

The fourth picture-book I have read from the prolific Fox, Guess What? is a title I expected to enjoy immensely, given my interest in witchy picture-books, and my appreciation for some of the author's other work. I did end up finding it quite interesting, and think that its question/answer format, when paired with the attention-grabbing, photo-realistic paintings of Goodman, make it an excellent read-aloud title for story-time. That said, somehow I just didn't warm to it, despite my interest. The artwork is apparently quite controversial, with a number of elements - bits of nudity, disturbing dead fish in underwear, and so on - that have led to it being challenged in various places. For my part, I found these elements more humorous than offensive, and suspect child readers will simply accept them as one more detail in the strange and surreal world depicted so vividly by Goodman. I struggled with my rating on this one, as I didn't find the book appealing, from a personal aesthetic perspective, but did find the design interesting, and the artwork striking. Recommended to fans of the author and/or artist, or to readers looking for unusual question-answer style picture-book narratives.

[Christie Angleton · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another case of when a good author meets a bad illustrator.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the story is very simple, the illustrations are beautifully realistic, almost photo realistic, and filled with interesting details.

[Mattie · Rating 3 out of 5]

what

[Mary Popish · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the banned book assignment I decided to read three children's books that were banned instead of one young adult novel, and Guess What was a book that I have never read before and I really enjoyed reading this book, but something that I noticed right off the bat was that some of the pictures were a bit questionable, the main reason that I believe the book is banned. While reading this book I really enjoyed how on every page the book asks a question for the children to think, and how even the plot was a bit of a thinker by trying to figure out who the old lady is and that even though she is a witch she is not mean. It was an entertaining book for children but also a good book to encourage lessons of their social development.

[Alexandra Brockhagen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an interesting read that I would not have guessed was for young children when I first read it. The storyline is very simple, but the illustrations are a bit over the top. The story is a series of questions regarding a witch. The questions are fairly harmless, and they are generally appropriate for a children’s book.
This book was rightfully challenged and banned in some places because of the illustrations that accompany the story. While they are very detailed and creative pictures, they do not fit in a children’s book. Many of the pictures are extremely creepy and gross. For example, one of the illustrations shows the witch mixing ingredients in a bowl. Some of the ingredients include a toad, lizard scales, “mucus pickles,” and toenails. The drawing is very detailed and not very appropriate for a young audience.
I would not recommend this book to young children. If I read this as a young child, I would most likely be scared and creeped out by the witch. This story would have been much more suitable for students if the illustrations were simpler.

[Ninaad Nariani · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is challenged because it talks about witchcraft. It doesn't only talk about it but it also shows the witch in a very creepy and kind of scary light. Some people also say that this book has the message that says god is dead. I personally did not see that message or feel that message as I was reading the book. The book does end on a good note saying that the witch is a good person and shows her with the kid that is kind of telling the story but it only shows that on the very last page and for only one picture.
I personally even got a little grossed out and creeped out when I was reading this book. There is a part that talks about how the witch cooks with toenails, rat tails, and dead lizards scales. That to me was very weird and uncomfortable. Don't get me wrong this book is illustrated very well because I even was creeped out but this is not a book that I will read in my classroom. Even though it ends on a positive this is not a book that I want to share.

[Yinzadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book could have a very different tone with different illustrations. I did like the subversive nature of the illustrations - the protagonist is a nonconformist woman who looks like she doesn't have much money, living independently and chaotically.....she's not trying to be attractive or please anybody, she's just living her own life on her own terms. But the illustrations are also ugly, and I would've been bothered by this book as a child. It wouldn't be very high on my list of books to recommend for children.

This book is on the ALA list of most banned books. Ostensibly it's banned because the image of the woman taking a bath in her kitchen sink is "pornographic." Not only is no nudity of private areas shown, it's also *incredibly* not pornographic. Anyone who finds that picture erotic would find a rock erotic. I have the feeling the real reason this book gets banned is that it's subverting patriarchal messaging to girls.

[Shan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't really like this book a whole lot, but that doesn't mean that it should be banned. Honestly, I struggle to find a reason for the banning of this book...I just don't understand the logic of banners.
So, then, why didn't I really like this book? Well, it was just a little bit boring. Repition is sometimes a good idea, but I don't think it worked very well for this book specifically. Additionally, it seemed like things didn't really tie together. Each page was a totally separate idea, rather than having something in common as a whole book. This definitely applied to the last page, because it seemed like a bit of a jump from one point to the other.
However, I really enjoyed the drawings! The Sex Pistols pin...she's totally a punk! Some kids might be a bit scared of the art style, but the real ones will come through. B)

[Paige · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book on the list of controversial children's books, but had never heard of it before. After reading the simplistic story line with fairly graphic and detailed pictures, the book seems mismatched. It has been banned because of the references to witchcraft and boiling cauldrons. I find this interesting because I had read plenty of books that refer to witchcraft and witches. There are countless animated childrens books and movies that contain witches and references to witchcraft. I don't see a real reason why this book is considered controversial or banned.

[Thomas Bell · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a horribly stupid book. The artwork was impressive, and I loved looking at the McCormick eyeballs and all that, but the book itself was just plain annoying to read. The grammar was bad, and it felt like it was for a three-year-old. Though the artwork is most definitely not for such a young audience. And though the ending was predictable, it was forced and quite abrupt.

Again, I'm only giving it a 2nd star for the creative and almost realistic artwork (ignoring the page with the naked woman of course). The book itself is not worth reading.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was trying to figure out what reason this book could possibility be one of the 100 most banned books from 1990-2000. I thought maybe the crazy pictures that seem a little “druggy”. But apparently it was banned for spreading the occult and making witches seem harmless, nice, and fun. My main thought was that the illustrator was a friend of Salvador Dali. It doesn’t bother me that this is about a witch. The book doesn’t bother me at all, and it shouldn’t be banned, but seriously, if you have not read this, do. Just for the illustrations.

[Jean Doolittle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing pictures—much to enjoy in those images and the participatory text engages—but it doesn’t quite work—the word”guess” on each page is unnecessary since the listener is ready to answer—YES! To each question. We build up to the ending but that disappoints too. There is not enough to sustain the conclusion that she isn’t mean or even that she is—just that she’s creepy. Fun, but could be better.

[Leopoldo Bustos Del Pino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un libro con muy buenas ilustraciones y que sirve mucho para enseñar a niños y no tan niños la importancia de no hacer prejuicios, de que cada persona es un mundo distinto que no está determinado por como viste o por las cosas que le gusta hacer.
Nos puede pasar a nosotros mismos. Viste distinto y te darás cuenta como hay personas que empiezan a hacerse una idea de cómo eres sin realmente ser así.

[Dannii · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my kids favourite books. Quirky, hilarious, with bucketloads of personality: just like my 1 & 3 y.o.!!!

My kids have a couple of books written by Mem Fox but they are in need of a few more illustrated by the (very talented!) Vivienne Goodman.

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read

The smallest member of the household liked the simple text while I appreciated the detailed illustrations. Extra star for having a game at the end of the book that encourages the reader to pour over the illustrations.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a five star illustration book! And 4 for the story.

Who would have thought that a cranky old witch would not be mean? And wear a Sex Pistols button on her black garb.
Repetitive to help young readers grow.
Fun enough for older readers to snicker.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

A crazy lady called Daisy O'Grady?

Right from that start, I'm hooked. Let the guessing game begin.

Awe, the ending is lovely, as are the illustrations by Viovienne Goodman.

I sure wish this book had been available during the Salem Witch Trials. Might have saved some lives!

[Ginny Erisman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chidren's book to read aloud, about a witch. Delightfully scary art.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the kid who loves creepy illustrations.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute Halloween story to share.

[☆Amanda Cresse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the detailed illustrations!

[Ash Bringmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Am I a witch? Maybe

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only criticism i have with this book is that the illustrator vivienne goodman drew the character hazel looking more like a man than female.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

cool illustrations

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first banned/ challenged books selection:

This was on the banned/ challenged books list and although I can't really see a reason why, the pictures were intense! There is no profanity, drug or alcohol use, or use of weapons. However, the pictures are drawn, but they look like they are drawn from real photographs. I am impressed by the artwork done by Vivienne Goodman.

The idea of the book suggests that the character Daisy O'Grady is a crazy lady and is a witch. The story goes through asking yes or no questions regarding the physical description of crazy lady O'Grady. The first question asked is, "Is she tall? Guess!" where by the following page answers, "Yes!" and provides a picture showing that physical attribute. Then the bottom of the pages provides another question about her appearance. It goes through suggesting that she's a mean, old, witch, but at the end of the story there's a little girl flying a broomstick next to Daisy O'Grady saying she's not mean.

I don't see an academic use for this text other than a fun one to maybe read during Halloween. This would depend on the age and I would use it for third grade and up. The pictures are not only extremely realistic, but a little scary for the younger grades. The book is very quick, but my attention is pulled away from the text and drawn into the illustrations. Again, I loved them although they were a bit weird!

[Hana Doran · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is about a witch. Each page gives a clue about different characteristics about this lady, such as she loves animals, is tall and thin, and rides on a broom. Finally, it is revealed that she is a witch in the end of the book, but unexpectedly she's actually a nice witch. I really didn't enjoy this book at all. The illustrations were very vivid and almost looked like photographs with their realism, but they were also very creepy at the same time. It was extremely repetitive and I was bored after the first three pages. I don't think I would recommend this book because it might creep children out with the illustrations, along with the fact that it is not very interesting at all. Nonetheless, it was a very quick easy read that would definitely help children who are having trouble with the word "guess" and also reinforces the concept of making inferences about the witch as the children turn the page. Overall, I would pick a different book out typically, but maybe this book would be suitable for a lesson around Halloween time.

[Jack Kirby and the X-man · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love Montambo's review!

The amazingly realistic illustrations from Vivienne Goodman have to be seen to be believed.

I'm not a huge fan of Mem Fox's text in this book, it mainly seems to be there to connect a series of illustrations.

Kids puzzle books are fantastic, my favourite is Graeme Base's Eleventh Hour. While not at the same level as Eleventh Hour Guess What? is still very engaging.

[Jeanette Harlston · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can understand why this is a challenged book. The cover itself can be scary to younger children. It is a set of piercing eyes that peer through the cover of the front page with a look of menace or as if the old person behind it is holding a butcher knife in their hands! It is a question answer book and although the questions always have a positive Yes! response, the illustration are extremely vivid and scary throughout. The images of the crazy old lady contain a certain weirdness. For example their is one illustration where she is bathing with a pirahna & looks as though she is going to bite it! Another illustration contains a wall full of different animal heads and another where it looks as though she is preparing a poisonous potion. Although it ends with a positive outcome, I found it to be creepy and would not recommend it in a classroom setting.