Beatrice Doesn't Want To

by Laura Joffe Numeroff

A humorous story of a stubborn little girl, a patient older brother, and the magical workings of the local library.

Beatrice doesn't like books or reading — and she especially doesn't like accompanying big brother Henry to the library three days in a row. But that's where he has to take her while he works on his dinosaur report. Naturally, Beatrice doesn't want to get books from the shelf. Beatrice doesn't want to let Henry work. And Beatrice certainly doesn't want to sit in a room full of boys and girls during story hour. Is there anything that could possibly change her mind? Meet Beatrice, a little girl who knows exactly what she doesn't want. Or does she?

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Family, Fiction, Dogs, Books About Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

Laura Joffe Numeroff is the NYT best-selling author of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, What Mommies/Daddies Do Best and Raising a Hero. She was born in Brooklyn, New York and graduated from Pratt Institute. Laura grew up as the youngest of three girls, surrounded by art, music, and books. An avid animal lover, Laura has always wanted to write a book about service dogs. She now lives in Los Angeles, California.

Reviews

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun story about a bratty little sister who does not like books or going to the library. Her (mostly) patient big brother tries to find ways to entertain her while still trying to do his work. But it is the magic of storytime that finally gets Beatrice's attention. I love that it shows that even reluctant readers enjoy being read to and that once hooked, a child can learn to love books. I know that from my own experience, our girls love to be read to and that even when they are resisting independent reading, they are eager for me to read to or with them. We discussed the collaboration between Laura Joffe Numeroff and Lynn Munsinger and how they are more famously paired with other authors/illustrators. Our girls said that they could see the same style of illustration that they love from the Tacky series and they loved the anthropomorphic use of the dogs. The plot was very predictable, but still entertaining and we enjoyed reading it together.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a good book. At first, when I looked at the title, I thought this book was going to be about a child who didn't want to do chores or who didn't want to do what her parents told her to do. But, this book was actually about how she didn't like to...READ!! How horrible? But I could relate to this book. Also, I was thinking about the students who would be in our classroom who might have english difficulties and can't read and they get frustrated. If they get frustrated, then they need help cultivating that like or love for reading. It just takes one tiny teacher to make a huge improvement on a child's life.

[Richa Jha · Rating 3 out of 5]

The predictability of the plot doesn't rob this book of its fun element, and the illustrations have a big role to play there. Lynn Munsinger's Beatrice - a sulking bored Basset Hound - with her stubborn 'I don't want to' streak is a sure winner! My kids and I kept looking at her different expressions ad nauseum, and each time, we came up with so many different things that could be going on in her mind. And big brother Henry with his 'I give up's in sheer exasperation walks away with all our love and empathy! Oh, the pains of having to look after a younger sister who wouldn't listen :)

The plot is simple. Beatrice doesn't want to read books, until Henry finally comes up with a way to give her a taste of the joys of reading. It's a great book to introduce to a reluctant reader, and an equally great one to share with a voracious one, because the latter will keep jumping in at the turn of every page to comment on how silly and stubborn Beatrice is being! I've seen some kids have their private chat with Beatrice exhorting her to try out books once, just once - 'and then you'll see how you'll love them!' :)

[Alexa Maring · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beatrice is like many students. Books are not interesting to her. Not only is this a good book for students to read, it teaches a wonderful lesson to educators. It was not until Beatrice was connected to a book that she realized reading could be fun. This book is a reminder at the importance of connections to students. It also shows students that there are times when we don't want to do something, but we change our mind. This book also shows the powerful ability a book has to capture one's heart. The adamant Beatrice who didn't want to read, changed her mind and couldn't be pulled away. All because she connected to the story.

[Ishta Mercurio · Rating 4 out of 5]

The thing I loved about this book was the way the illustrations did such a great job of getting to the truth of this story, and of who the character of Beatrice is. I saw my sons, and the relationship that they have with each other, in these illustrations. My kids loved the twist at the end. Either way, it was a great read.

[Jennifer Rummel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic read. I loved the illustrations. I loved how the book is about libraries. I can't wait to share it with my niece!

[Gela · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute! What can I say? Hmm, my four year old loves it and boy can she be a "Beatrice."

[Taylor · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a story about a little sister who does not like books or the library. Her older brother has to go to the library to do his homework. While Henry is there he tries to persuade Beatrice to read a book by saying things like “look how many books there are!” or “Why don’t you get some of the books from the shelf?” Beatrice did not want anything to do with the books so she watched her brother work. The next day she just sat in the big chair at the library. She continued to bother her brother Henry through the days they went to the library. He put Beatrice in the kids room so he could work. The librarian read a story to the kids but Beatrice resisted She then began to connect to the story. At the end of the day Beatrice did not want to leave because she enjoyed looking at the book the librarian read to the kids. The illustrations in the story play a big role because of the facial expressions that are shown. The images really capture what Beatrice and Henry are feeling. Very bright colors were used in these illustrations such as, pink, blue, red, yellow, and green. The medium used for these illustrations looks like colored pencils. The illustrations are the main focus of the story because they capture so much of the facial expressions.

I gave this book one star because I just did not enjoy the content. Yes it is a good book to get students to try something new. But I felt the character was too resistant and did not enjoy it.

[Srujan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book with an easy, predictable and relatable story, and since toddlers this kind, it was a hit with us. Beatrice is a string-willed, feisty little lady who is absolutely clear in what shine doesn't want. As a parent of two equally feisty little humans, Beatrice makes a good deal of sense to me. Apart from other things, she doesn't want to read books at the library where her brother Henry takes her as he has to work on a school report. I will leave the evolution if how she comes to like the books for you to read. The story ends with another of Beatrice's "Doesn't want to" - only this time, she doesn't want to go home. By some miracle, my tinies are obsessed with going to the library and with books in general. So they were hooked to the book. We talked for a couple of minutes about how not everyone enjoys books in the same way as we do, and that it is fine. I am not sure how much of what I conveyed got through , but well, they are 3, so I guess we just have to keep at it. Anyway, at the end, they were just as thrilled about the story as Beatrice. We frequently paused and slowed down to look at the illustrations which are lovely, btw. The illustrations are colourful, with the feelings of Beatrice and her brother Henry sketched well. They highly amused my toddlers. Overall, we were humoured enough by Beatrice and her antics to be happily giggling at the end and absolutely ready for bedtime without pleas of "one more book please!"

[Emma Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: This story focuses on a dog named Beatrice and her older brother, Henry, who has to take care of Beatrice every day after school. Henry has to write a book report for school, so each day he drags Beatrice to the library. Beatrice hates reading and spends the whole time annoying her brother. Henry gets so fed up with Beatrice that he sends her to the children’s read aloud session with the librarian. At first, Beatrice is very upset and doesn’t want to listen. Soon, though, she starts enjoying the story and discovers a love for reading she never thought she had.

Major theme: Finding a love for reading

Stars: 4 out of 5

Personal Response: This book reminds me of my siblings, who have always been reluctant readers in contrast to my eager self. Beatrice’s attitude made me laugh and the ending made me fall in love with her character!

Recommendation: I would recommend this book for grades K-2. With 3-4 lines on each page and a fair amount of dialogue text, this book would be great for a read-aloud lesson (kindergarten and first grade) or to be read by a student on their own (leaning more toward second grade). I think this could be a great way to introduce to students how everyone can fall in love with a book!

[Emylly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beatrice is a bratty annoying sister that her poor brother is stuck watching while he has homework to do. She pesters him while he works and he tries his best to get her to do something else at the library besides follow him around and distract him. At his wits end with his report deadline looming on the horizon tomorrow, he leaves Beatrice in the read room with the librarian and a group of children. The librarian wins Beatrice over with her story and now still bratty and annoying Bea won’t leave the library. The smallest character growth ever but at least she likes books now. Would hate to have been Henry stressing over finishing his homework because he has the responsibility to watch the horribly whiny sister. Would hate for my young students to start mimicking the pouting and whiny since she didn’t outgrow that in this book. Two stars for the small plot about learning to love books.

[Michelle Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title:Beatrice Doesn’t Want To italicize
Author: Laura Numeroff
Illustrator: Lynn Munsinger
Genre: Picture Book
Theme(s): Reluctant Readers, Good-Fit Books, Interests
Opening line/sentence: Beatrice didn’t like books.
Brief Book Summary: Beatrice does not like reading, books, or libraries, but everyday for three days in a row, she is forced to go to the library with her brother. Each day, she would sit and watch her brother being very bored, until finally her brother had an idea. He took her to a read aloud room where other small kids were. At first Beatrice didn’t want to be there either, but when the Librarian started reading books about roller-skating; it caught her interest! She then paid attention to the rest of the book and even asked to see the book after. She sat in a chair and read the book over and over and looked at all the pictures. When her brother came up to her when it was time to leave, she didn’t want to do that either.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Children's Literature
She is pictured as a dressed-up, long-eared puppy. Beatrice, however, is obviously just like many youngsters. Unfortunately she does not like books, reading, or even going to the library. Yet her older brother Henry has to take her there with him for three afternoons when he does his research for a report and must take care of her. Beatrice does not want to do anything Henry suggests. She just watches and pesters him. She also does not want to return to the library the next day, and really annoys him. By the third day, Henry decides she must go to Story Hour whether she "wants to" or not. Fortunately the librarian manages to capture her attention, and a new convert to the pleasure of books is made. Munsinger exploits the potentials of pencil, ink line drawings, and watercolors to illuminate the range of youthful body and facial gestures to broadcast emotions. Both of her anthropomorphic canines are masters at communicating those attitudes which we see in youngsters from time to time. There is just enough context to set the stages without getting in the way of the action. And the type is large and easy to read. We can only hope that we will have many successes like Beatrice out there in our libraries. 2004 (orig. 1981), Candlewick Press, Ages 3 to 6.
—Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz

Professional Recommendation/Review #2: School Library Journal
PreS-K-Beatrice doesn't like books. The last place she wants to be is in the library, but her older brother has to complete a report on dinosaurs and she is in his care. Done in watercolor, ink, and pencil and featuring floppy-eared canine characters, the expressive illustrations perfectly capture the humor of the text. Beatrice's facial expressions are priceless as she repeatedly attempts to distract her brother from his work: she clings to him with adoring and overly exaggerated interest; she taps him on the shoulder and proclaims, "I'm bored"; and she holds his tail as she trails his every move. Finally reaching his limit, Henry drops Beatrice off in the storytime room. To her grudging amazement, her interest is piqued and she even laughs out loud when the librarian reads a story about a roller-skating mouse. When Henry is ready to go, he finds Beatrice sitting quietly in a big stuffed chair, totally absorbed in the book. This charming tale emphasizes the importance of finding the right book for the right reader.-Wanda Meyers-Hines, Ridgecrest Elementary School, Huntsville, AL Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Response to Two Professional Reviews: Both responses praise the illustrations of the book, as well as the large text throughout. This makes the book not only easy to read, but also easy to comprehend as well. In addition, the reviews claim that this is a very “charming tale”, that teaches the lesson about finding the right book for YOU. They both acknowledge that Beatrice’s problem with books and reading is something somewhat common among children, and that it can be solved with solutions like the one in the library.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: I think this book’s large print and expression-filled illustrations create a story that is easily accessible for early readers, or for read-aloud. I think that the repetition of the line “I don’t want to”, not only allows the young children to be able to predict what Beatrice will say, but also can relate to them in their own lives. Kids often don’t want to be certain places or do certain tasks, and I think that this can easily relate that good can come out of the things we don’t wish to do. Lastly, I think that the characters add a lot to the book in the way that they are also relatable to children. Having that older sibling character in the story definitely reaches a great population and we can relate to tagging along and watching, even if we don’t want to.
Consideration of Instructional Application: I would LOVE to use this in an instructional environment! I think that this would be a great book to start off the year with in the younger grades. This would be a good read aloud to talk about finding “good-fit” books for every child, and really finding topics that they are interested in. After reading the book, it would be so neat to talk as a group about topics that interest them and what it means to be a “good-fit” book. Overall, I think this could be such a useful tool in the classroom to show the children that it is okay to dislike reading—but you can find books that make you fall in love with it!

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story and illustrations in this book was so super cute my adult special needs son and I both enjoyed it. The main characters is a brother and sister (who are drawn as puppies) the Big brother has to go to the library to do a school project and he has to watch his little sister. She does not want to go to the library and let's him know about it. He tries and tries to find something she would like about the library until one day he leaves her in a room with other kids and a librarian where she suddenly starts listening to 'story time' and then she 'doesn't want' to leave when it comes time to leave. Very charming book to get children introduced to what libraries have to offer them.

[Allison Fish]

1. no awards
2. k-2 grade
3. Beatrice does not like reading, but her brother had a paper to write so she has to go to the library with him. Just when he thinks he will never get his paper done he puts his little sister in to listen to the librarian read. After hearing the book read, she sits down to look through it herself and ends up enjoying it.
4. Some kids may feel the same way as her, especially if they are struggling with reading, so it is a cute way to show them they should try to get into reading. I liked the illustrations and the underlying lessons to be learned.
5. A. get students to try things they think they will not like
B. Use in talk about beginning middle and end.

[Jessica Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: In this humorous story, Beatrice does not like books, reading, or the library. Beatrice continues to interrupt her brother Henry's work, refuses to pick a book from the shelf, and does not want to attend story hour with other children. After a few trips to the library, Beatrice discovers a story that she becomes hooked on and her perception of reading changes.

Review: Not only does the story do a great job of demonstrating how a person's attitude toward books and reading can evolve when finding a "just right book", it also nicely shows how trying something new can be scary. Beatrice's story reveals how trying new things can have such positive outcomes. This charming story would be a great classroom read aloud for children who may not enjoy reading.

[Shan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So. Freaking. Cute! I think that this book is so important to teach kids that sometimes digging your heels in doesn't help, and it's a good idea to try new things that you might be hesitant about. Beatrice doesn't want to go to library story time, but she is forced to and she finds that she actually loves the book that was read. Lastly, the illustrations were so adorable, and I loved the variety of dog breeds the illustrator included.
My only critique is I think that some of the writing is a bit hostile, but I believe that it will be funny for young kids to read, given the context that it's in.

Bravo!

[Laurie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Booklist December 1, 2004 (Vol. 101, No. 7)
PreS-Gr. 2. In Numeroff and Munsinger's fourth collaboration, a reluctant reader discovers, in spite of herself, the power of a good book. "Henry had to look after Beatrice. He also had to write a report on dinosaurs."Where better to do both than at the library? Unfortunately, little Bea "hated going to the library."Once there, she greets Henry's every suggestion with a muleish "I don't want to."Finally, a serendipitously timed story hour (and a very funny book) convince her of the library's charms. The siblings are cleverly cast as bassett hounds, an endearing species in any context. Munsinger, queen of anthropomorphic animals, makes them even more so, manipulating their naturally elastic features to reflect Beatrice's moods--beseeching, sulky, endearingly angelic--and to extend the humor of Numeroff's typically pitch-perfect text. Though the plot is somewhat thin and the ending far from surprising, adults will dab at their eyes over the ever-rousing message about the glories of reading; little ones will sympathize with Bea's tagalong status; and big kids will groan in recognition at her contrarian ways.

Horn Book Guide Spring 2005
Because he's her babysitter, Beatrice's big brother Henry has to take her along when he goes to the library to do his homework. But Bea has no use for books or libraries, and she gives Henry plenty of trouble. Then they discover story time, and not too surprisingly she's hooked. Munsinger's dog characters have very expressive faces, making Bea's antics especially funny.

Kirkus Reviews October 15, 2004
"Beatrice didn't like books. She didn't even like to read. More than that, she hated going to the library." Unfortunately, her older brother Henry has to do his homework there and look after Beatrice as well. Henry unsuccessfully tries to interest her in the books. She watches him work and drives him crazy. The next day, she says she'll wait for him in a big, comfy chair, but she gets bored and drives him crazy again. On the third day, Henry sees a storytime advertised and drops her off. Though she fights it, the story of Albert Mouse wins her over, and Beatrice asks to look at the book herself afterwards. When Henry comes to get her, she says, "I don't want to!" As usual Munsinger's watercolor animals-in this case, dogs-are charmingly expressive. Watching Beatrice's face as she comes around is particularly wonderful. While big people might see the end coming, the target audience will enjoy the twist and wish for further adventures. (Picture book. 2-6)

Library Media Connection November/December 2004
Books are said to imitate life, and this picture book perfectly mirrors the actions and dialogue of young children. Beatrice doesn't like books and hates going to the library. When her adoring big brother, William, has a report due, he makes her go with him to the library. Strong-willed Beatrice, however, doesn't want to go. For three afternoons William drags Beatrice to the library. Too small to be of help and easily bored, Beatrice distracts William to the point of total frustration. Then William spots a poster advertising a read aloud session in the library. Before she knows it, Beatrice goes from reluctantly listening to the librarian read a book to enjoying reading the book alone. When William tells Beatrice it's time to go, she's so enjoying herself that she doesn't want to! Engaging bright watercolors with colorful detail fill each page. The artist humorously depicts the characters as dogs with an amazing variety of facial expressions and body postures. As a read-aloud or for individual reading, this picture book will charm young readers with its delightful illustrations and prose. Highly Recommended. Tena Natale Litherland, Head Librarian, Webb School, Knoxville, Tennessee, Adjunct Instructor, University of Tennessee at Knoxville

Publishers Weekly November 15, 2004
A host of reissued titles are back to greet a new generation of readers. Laura Numeroff's Beatrice Doesn't Want To (1981) returns with new illustrations by Lynn Munsinger. In this tale, Henry must take his obstinate sister to the library as he works on a report. But during a storytelling session, the librarian manages to change Beatrice's mind about libraries and books, if not her overall disposition, made all the more credible by Munsinger's emotive artwork. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal November 1, 2004
PreS-K-Beatrice doesn't like books. The last place she wants to be is in the library, but her older brother has to complete a report on dinosaurs and she is in his care. Done in watercolor, ink, and pencil and featuring floppy-eared canine characters, the expressive illustrations perfectly capture the humor of the text. Beatrice's facial expressions are priceless as she repeatedly attempts to distract her brother from his work: she clings to him with adoring and overly exaggerated interest; she taps him on the shoulder and proclaims, "I'm bored"; and she holds his tail as she trails his every move. Finally reaching his limit, Henry drops Beatrice off in the storytime room. To her grudging amazement, her interest is piqued and she even laughs out loud when the librarian reads a story about a roller-skating mouse. When Henry is ready to go, he finds Beatrice sitting quietly in a big stuffed chair, totally absorbed in the book. This charming tale emphasizes the importance of finding the right book for the right

[Kelly Wickham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very engaging book about a stubborn little girldog that doesn't want to have any new experiences. She especially doesn't want to be in a new group of children, having a book read to her. As the librarian reads the book she cannot refuse the looking at the interesting storybook and pretty soon she is hooked on books and reading. The pictures are highly detailed and fun. Kids love to see Beatrice being sucked, at first unwillingly and then wholeheartedly, into the discovery and world of books. A great story!

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great example of there aren't kids who don't like reading, just kids who haven't found the right book yet!


This would be a great book to read at the beginning of the year when I spend a lot of time talking to my students about all the reading we will do this year and how my goal is to inspire a love of books in everyone this year.

Ryan and Craig read this one. They're always worth watching:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8ze8...

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, the faces Beatrice makes! Excellent illustrations (especially Beatrice’s facial expressions) by Lynn Munsinger show just how stubborn a reluctant reader can be and how fun it is when the librarian baits the hook and gets Beatrice to want to see more of that book. So cute the way Beatrice tortures her big brother much like any little sister would do. Absolutely adorable book! It’s definitely one a little brother or sister can relate to.

[Ashlyn Ewert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me. I did not think that this book was going to be about not wanting to read. I think that this would be a good book to read to children to help them understand why they should read or even try new things because they may found out that they actually enjoy it. I know that children usually think that books aren't fun but they just need to find books that relate to them or are about something that they are interested in. I really enjoyed this book.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beatrice's brother has a report on dinosaurs due and he has to get work done at the library. The problem is that he has to take his little sister Beatrice with him and Beatrice doesn't want to go! She doesn't like the library or the book in the library. With Beatrice looking over his shoulder the whole time, her brother can't get any work done. But when he leaves Beatrice at story time with the librarian, Beatrice starts to change her tune.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up at a thrift store without knowing anything about the story or book. I surprisingly liked it. This is a fun book about a sister eventually warming up to the idea of books and reading.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fostering that initial love of reading. Sibling relationships.
Might be fun to pair with Beatrice Gets Carried Away & compare the two Beatrices.

[Aurora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beatrice is forced to go to the library with her brother and hates every minute of it until she discovers storytime. Lots of dialogue and might be a cute little storytime read.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beatrice doesn't want to go to the library with her brother. She doesn't want to sit still, and she won't leave him alone. But maybe there is something that she will want to do at the library...

[Amanda Schwind · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an awesome way to follow up on an introductory reading inventory to get to know students.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beatrice doesn't want to do anything she's asked to do - especially read a book. Her clever brother takes her to library story time and she's hooked.

[Stefanie Foard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basset hounds in a library? Obviously I'm giving this five stars. ;)

[Rebecca Caufman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beatrice doesn't want to go to the library with her brother who has to write a report. She makes studying difficult until....she listens to the librarian read a book.