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Not a Stick
A celebration of the power of imagination from the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Award-winning creator of Not a Box Experience the thrill of the moment when pretend feels so real that it actually becomes real! Following the critically acclaimed Not a Box , this book proves that a stick is not always just a stick. Whether it's conducting an orchestra, painting a masterpiece, or slaying a dragon—give a child a stick and let imagination take over and the magic begin.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published December 26, 2007
18 people are currently reading
1875 people want to read
About the author
Antoinette Portis
32 books128 followersAntoinette attended the UCLA School of Fine Arts and is a former creative director at Disney. She lives in Southern California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews
June 28, 2010
Be honest. How many of you Goodreads folks out there routinely check closets for a secret passage to Narnia? Be honest! Okay, just me? That's okay too. Well, how many of you love letting your imagination run wild? Or, if you don't do so now, can you at least remember how exhilerating it was to be little? When pretending felt SO real and SO fun? This book is about just that. It is a sheer delight to read to pre-schoolers as they try to conjure up potential scenarios the main character (a pig, I think?) could imagine herself into.
February 26, 2008
I used to pretend all sorts of stuff when I was little. Fortress out of Construx, plastic bag as parachute, all the standard stuff. I distinctly remember trying out that last one with a leap off the top of the swing set. Needless to say, I didn’t give that a second attempt. Imagination was a big part of my life. With “Not a Stick”, Antoinette Portis follows the pro-imagination blueprint of 2006’s “Not a Box”, creating a worthy follow up.
The book kinda goes like this: an off-camera narrator mentions something about the stick our protagonist (a pig) is holding. When you flip the page, you can see a blue outline of what the little pig sees. With the help of a little imagination the stick turns into a bucking bronco, a fishing pole, and even a paintbrush. Simple? Yes. Effective? You betcha.
“Not a Stick” fills the shoes of its predecessor by sticking to its guns - taking the ordinary and turning it into something special.
The book kinda goes like this: an off-camera narrator mentions something about the stick our protagonist (a pig) is holding. When you flip the page, you can see a blue outline of what the little pig sees. With the help of a little imagination the stick turns into a bucking bronco, a fishing pole, and even a paintbrush. Simple? Yes. Effective? You betcha.
“Not a Stick” fills the shoes of its predecessor by sticking to its guns - taking the ordinary and turning it into something special.
November 11, 2009
I liked this one even more than [Not a Box:]. This book captures so well children’s imaginative play. I remember playing like this; I’ve observed many, many children playing like this. The ending doesn’t quite live up to the rest of the book text wise but the illustrations work perfectly throughout. I do wonder whether nostalgic adults might enjoy this book more than children will though.
November 29, 2016
A stick can be other things than a stick.
March 5, 2025
5/5 hospital read
April 21, 2008
The other day my kids were playing with pretzel sticks, trying to get their siblings to guess what they were imagining their sticks to be: airplanes, horses, etc. I listened to their play, and then pulled out this book to read to them. I wondered if they would follow the sparse text, but they didn't need any prompting to understand the subtle story of Pig and his everything-stick. They loved turning each page to see what the stick would be next, trying to anticipate the evolution of Pig's creativity. I'm sure they also enjoyed the slightly subversive aspect of the book, in which Pig continues to argue against an unseen, authoritative adult voice that his long, thin piece of bark is in fact "not a stick." This is a fun read-aloud that perfectly captures the workings of a child's, or pig's, imagination.
September 17, 2009
A follow-up book to Not a Box.
This follow-up book has all the problems of the original (basically an inability to find a satisfactory climax to the book), without many of its redeeming features.
They've attempted to bring across the design elements - this book's cover looks like a plank of wood. Of course a stick doesn't actually look like a neatly cut plank of wood at all... And the original's cover actually felt like a cardboard box - this version's cover feels like a book cover.
The ability to see the original item (box or stick) in the imagined world worked really well in the original - the stick just seems to get lost in the imagined world (because it basically looks like a straight line, hidden in an object that is, essentially, a straight line).
This follow-up book has all the problems of the original (basically an inability to find a satisfactory climax to the book), without many of its redeeming features.
They've attempted to bring across the design elements - this book's cover looks like a plank of wood. Of course a stick doesn't actually look like a neatly cut plank of wood at all... And the original's cover actually felt like a cardboard box - this version's cover feels like a book cover.
The ability to see the original item (box or stick) in the imagined world worked really well in the original - the stick just seems to get lost in the imagined world (because it basically looks like a straight line, hidden in an object that is, essentially, a straight line).
March 23, 2022
An excellent prompt for encouraging imaginative play in a group of young children, this book relies not on text but pictures to convey all the possibilities a simple stick can have when it's used as a prop by a creative soul! Suitable for use with readers aged 3+ this would be an brilliant addition to any primary teachers library. I can't wait to use it as a stimulus for early finishers with older pupils or as a whole class lesson with infants, I'm sure their 'not sticks' will be just as wonderful as Antoinette's suggestions!
August 22, 2017
Super cute book that encourages imagination. The illustrations are my favorite kind. From the very first page (as in before the actual story even starts) I was in love with this little pig. On th epage with the dedication you can see him reaching for his stick and it's such a sweet innocent lovely little picture. How can you not love this book? We read it a lot before deciding to return it to the library. I'd definitely check it out again.
January 3, 2018
Sorry to see there were not stickers in it. I hate to be a stickler about it. Except my library copy was a bit sticky... Sorry to be a stick in the mud but a book shouldn't be sticky without stickers. But this is a book that'll stick around for sure.
Stick.
Stick.
July 1, 2021
One of my favorite books of all time. I do love how it shows a child the world of pretend through a pig’s eye. How many ways can a stick be transformed into something else ? It reminds me of the magic of my childhood. Other fun books Not a Box and Squiggle.
Want to read
March 4, 2025WHY DID NO ONE TELL ME THAT THIS BOOK EXISTED???
January 4, 2025
Great book about the imagination of children. Looking forward to using this in the classes I substitute with.
May 23, 2012
Not A Stick is a little gem of a picture book. The entire book is about 75 words and illustrated primarily with line drawings. The story revolves around our (unnamed) main character who is a young pig. He is continually being questioned about the stick he is carrying: why is he carrying it, be careful with it, etc. Throughout the story our hero emphatically denies that what he is holding is a "stick."
The illustrations for each of his responses reveal that the "stick" is alternately a fishing pole, a drum major's baton, a barbell, the reins of a horse, a caveman's spear, a sword to fight a dragon and a leash with which to lead it home.
Any child who enjoys imaginative play will delight in and identify with our young hero's frustration and insistence on his tool of imagination. It is much more than a "stick."
I plan to use this book in my theater classes--for ALL ages from 4-16. (I think it is applicable outside of those ages as well but those are the ages I currently teach in theater classes and direct in shows.) A young child will probably assume the voice that persists in calling our hero's Not-A-Stick a "stick" is an adult. I think if you look at using the book for older students in a theater (or as a creative writing-prompt idea) you can expand that assumption to include any naysayer in your own life, whether that be general or specific for each individual.
There is a theater improvisation game called Props. (If you ever watched Whose Line Is It Anyway? on British or American television you will have seen it.) It consists of taking an item (or box of items) and using each item in a way other than what you would expect. A folding chair can become a surfboard or a knight's shield or an elegant, old-fashioned wig, etc. This picture book is a great way to introduce that type of improvisation (whether physically or through writing) to very young children or to students who may have had little experience challenging their imaginations to think in ways other than the expected.
A fantastic independent or read-aloud, this book will challenge the imaginations of those who engage theirs regularly and will help springboard those who have yet to experience the dizzying heights of their own creations--at any age.
If you are interested in finding simple picture books like this to springboard imagination in physical or writing improvisation you can also try two of my favorites by Laura Numeroff (of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie renown):
Dogs Don't Wear Sneakers
Chimps Don't Wear Glasses
The illustrations for each of his responses reveal that the "stick" is alternately a fishing pole, a drum major's baton, a barbell, the reins of a horse, a caveman's spear, a sword to fight a dragon and a leash with which to lead it home.
Any child who enjoys imaginative play will delight in and identify with our young hero's frustration and insistence on his tool of imagination. It is much more than a "stick."
I plan to use this book in my theater classes--for ALL ages from 4-16. (I think it is applicable outside of those ages as well but those are the ages I currently teach in theater classes and direct in shows.) A young child will probably assume the voice that persists in calling our hero's Not-A-Stick a "stick" is an adult. I think if you look at using the book for older students in a theater (or as a creative writing-prompt idea) you can expand that assumption to include any naysayer in your own life, whether that be general or specific for each individual.
There is a theater improvisation game called Props. (If you ever watched Whose Line Is It Anyway? on British or American television you will have seen it.) It consists of taking an item (or box of items) and using each item in a way other than what you would expect. A folding chair can become a surfboard or a knight's shield or an elegant, old-fashioned wig, etc. This picture book is a great way to introduce that type of improvisation (whether physically or through writing) to very young children or to students who may have had little experience challenging their imaginations to think in ways other than the expected.
A fantastic independent or read-aloud, this book will challenge the imaginations of those who engage theirs regularly and will help springboard those who have yet to experience the dizzying heights of their own creations--at any age.
If you are interested in finding simple picture books like this to springboard imagination in physical or writing improvisation you can also try two of my favorites by Laura Numeroff (of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie renown):
Dogs Don't Wear Sneakers
Chimps Don't Wear Glasses
September 25, 2012
I am a fan of Antoinette Portis' books. NOT A STICK is cleverly designed. The illustrations and text are ridiculously simple that I can't help but love it. In just a few words, Antoinette manages to bring the MC's imagination to life. The dialogue that occurs is genuine. The fact that the MC is a pig is also very funny. I love the layout and the pacing of the book. The square- shaped book also has a quality that I love. It's simplistic design gives way for big ideas and imagination that the book provides. This book promotes and fosters creativity and ingenuity, which I think is important for readers of all ages.
March 31, 2012
Not a Stick, another title from the imaginative Portis, about imagination. a stick, and a sheep.
The "adult" words are on a tan background, whensheep is thinking it is a white background and the imagined uses of the stick on a blue background. The cover has a wood grain effect. Overall a graphic delight and I like this one a little more than, Not a Box.
The "adult" words are on a tan background, whensheep is thinking it is a white background and the imagined uses of the stick on a blue background. The cover has a wood grain effect. Overall a graphic delight and I like this one a little more than, Not a Box.
July 6, 2014
Just like "Not a Box" only using a stick. This would be great for text-to-text comparison within the class, but also to inspire creativity by giving children their own stick to get creative with. They could then do a show and share with their creations. Endless lesson potential to assess in all domains!
July 14, 2014
I love this book! Antoinette Portis is amazing and I love how she is promoting imagination and creativity heavily throughout this book. I think that this is an excellent tool to use in the classroom, so that students can see that teachers value creativity and that their thoughts and imaginations are important to their learning process. Great book indeed!
October 25, 2011
29 months - We picked this one up after really enjoying Not a Box. This is the same concept but wasn't quite as well received by O as the box story which she completely loved. We probably just need to pick up more sticks on our hikes and park walks. :D
January 4, 2012
I'm beginning to really enjoy Portis' books.
Pig uses his imagination to turn a plain stick into a fishing rod, baton, paint brush, sword, etc... The illustrations are colorful when Pig is using his imagination and colorless when the adult voice is speaking.
Very neat book.
Pig uses his imagination to turn a plain stick into a fishing rod, baton, paint brush, sword, etc... The illustrations are colorful when Pig is using his imagination and colorless when the adult voice is speaking.
Very neat book.
October 23, 2007
More of the same, sure. But Portis does it so well that I can't complain. If she does this one more time with, say, a cat with a sock, THEN I might get a bit put out. Until then, she's gold.
March 18, 2008
Yup, it's a redo of "Not A Box", only with a stick. But considering the message of using your imagination rather than buying a fancy toy, it's a message worth repeating.
October 4, 2012
I don't see any difference between the idea of this book and the other "not a box".
July 14, 2015
Aria (5) really liked this book and guessing what was next. Only complaint is we would have liked it to be longer!
November 30, 2016
So cute. I *might* like this better than Not a Box.
June 20, 2023
Celebrating the imagination, cleverly -- that's the special excellence of this book. Both written and illustrated by Antoinette Portis.
I can see how lovers of art for art's sake will find this book both charming and creative. So I'll give it FIVE STARS.
However, I am not the intended audience. And I feel strongly NOT to recommend this particular book. Here's why.
YES, HERE'S WHY.
Kids can get fed up with being told things like "Stop carrying that stick" or "Don't run with scissors." Yet it's an adult's responsibility to teach these things anyway.
This picture book reads at first like a nyah-nyah, getting back at adults who are protecting children. So much stupid nagging! Defiance against the parenting ones.
Indeed, if I'm correct about the underlying tone of this book, "Not a Stick" might even give certain children a permission structure to disobey parents and teachers.
Also, something else troubles me about this book. It's an adult's responsibility to teach children about objective reality, how the world works; teach them about consequences.
WHAT DOES THIS PICTURE BOOK TEACH CHILDREN INSTEAD?
Consistently, readers learn that a smart-and-imaginative child can contradict reality. And win!
For example:
FROM THE PRESUMED ADULT:
"Don't trip on that stick."
The illustration shows the pig child holding a stick between his legs, holding that stick like a stick horse.
Next Page...
FROM THE PIG CHILD WITH AN ATTITUDE
"I'm telling you, it's not a stick!"
The illustration shows the pig child in a cowboy hat, triumphantly riding a horse with a saddle.
ROMANTICIZING DISOBEDIENCE? NOT CUTE TO ME
If you think letting kids get away with disrespectful behavior is a cute thing to do now, when raising a child? I have news for you.
After puberty? Maybe no longer so cute.
I can see how lovers of art for art's sake will find this book both charming and creative. So I'll give it FIVE STARS.
However, I am not the intended audience. And I feel strongly NOT to recommend this particular book. Here's why.
YES, HERE'S WHY.
Kids can get fed up with being told things like "Stop carrying that stick" or "Don't run with scissors." Yet it's an adult's responsibility to teach these things anyway.
This picture book reads at first like a nyah-nyah, getting back at adults who are protecting children. So much stupid nagging! Defiance against the parenting ones.
Indeed, if I'm correct about the underlying tone of this book, "Not a Stick" might even give certain children a permission structure to disobey parents and teachers.
Also, something else troubles me about this book. It's an adult's responsibility to teach children about objective reality, how the world works; teach them about consequences.
WHAT DOES THIS PICTURE BOOK TEACH CHILDREN INSTEAD?
Consistently, readers learn that a smart-and-imaginative child can contradict reality. And win!
For example:
FROM THE PRESUMED ADULT:
"Don't trip on that stick."
The illustration shows the pig child holding a stick between his legs, holding that stick like a stick horse.
Next Page...
FROM THE PIG CHILD WITH AN ATTITUDE
"I'm telling you, it's not a stick!"
The illustration shows the pig child in a cowboy hat, triumphantly riding a horse with a saddle.
ROMANTICIZING DISOBEDIENCE? NOT CUTE TO ME
If you think letting kids get away with disrespectful behavior is a cute thing to do now, when raising a child? I have news for you.
After puberty? Maybe no longer so cute.
May 26, 2021
This is a simple book but it's still filled with magic. I love how this book and Not a Box (also by the same author) both show the stick/box from an unimaginative perspective and then we get a glimpse of what it "really is" in the mind of the young protagonist.
Yes, the pictures are simple and there are some other beautiful books about imagination but this one works, too, and younger kids who are just beginning to imagine would probably "get it" better than those more complicated ones. Also, young folks will probably appreciate and be entertained by the uncomplicated dialog; especially as the little protagonist gets a little frustrated as the off-screen questioner continues to view the stick as nothing other than a stick, no matter how many other things it's been demonstrated to be.
Yes, the pictures are simple and there are some other beautiful books about imagination but this one works, too, and younger kids who are just beginning to imagine would probably "get it" better than those more complicated ones. Also, young folks will probably appreciate and be entertained by the uncomplicated dialog; especially as the little protagonist gets a little frustrated as the off-screen questioner continues to view the stick as nothing other than a stick, no matter how many other things it's been demonstrated to be.
October 2, 2019
Not a stick is a book with few words. It heavily repeats the word stick, but the imagery teaches a great lesson. Throughout the book the main character who is a stick figure with a pig’s head is carrying a stick. The text keeps asking what he’s doing with the stick however he maintains it is not a stick and through the imagery it shows all the things he is pretending to do with the stick and that he is pretending it is. This is a great lesson for any young child to learn about using their imagination instead of needing a different toy for every moment of play. I recommend this book as a tool to ignite the imagination of kids and save some serious money on single use toys.
February 27, 2018
While this was a cute book, I prefer Not a Box. Like Not a Box, I feel like little kids would like this book. Since the book was written for that audience, it does its job. I appreciate that it shows kids how to use their imagination and have adventures with everyday objects. You don't need a screen or something that required batteries to have fun.
Author: Antoinette Portis
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: 2007
Author: Antoinette Portis
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: 2007
April 16, 2019
In the same fashion as Not a Box, this picture book demonstrates the marvels a child can do with a stick. Imagination takes flight in this inventive tale. I would have preferred more differentiation between her two books that focus on creativity and celebrate unstructured play, but perhaps it's best not to tamper with what works. Simple iconic art style perfectly complements the text, but the illustrations also extend the written words in an unexpected way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews