That's Not Funny, David!

David

by David Shannon

David is back and funnier than ever in this companion to the Caldecott Honor-winning classic No, David! by bestselling picture book creator David Shannon!

David is determined to get laughs out of everyone -- even from those who might not find his antics amusing! From cannonballs into the pool to slurping his spaghetti to telling funny jokes during class, David is a natural comedian. But David learns that not all of his tricks are funny... like sticking things up his nose! Still, this troublemaker will always have the last laugh and, of course, the enduring love of his mom.

Once again, David Shannon entertains us with young David's mischievous shenanigans in this lighthearted story that's sure to leave readers of all ages laughing. With millions of copies in print and five sequels, No, David! hit the ground running in 1998 and was a Caldecott Honor Book, a New York Times Best Illustrated Book, and a classic for over 25 years. Based on a book the author wrote and illustrated when he was five, David captures the timeless no-no's familiar to every child.

Genres: Picture Books, Humor, Childrens, Family, Emotion, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 4, 2025

About the author

David Shannon is the author and illustrator of many highly praised books for children. Born in Washington, D.C., he grew up in Spokane, Washington. He graduated from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, with a fine arts degree, and then moved to New York City. His editorial illustrations have appeared in The New York Times, Time, and Rolling Stone, and his artwork has appeared on numerous book jackets. Shannon is a passionate baseball fan and softball player. He and his wife now live in Los Angeles.


David Shannon @ Scholastic

Reviews

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leave it to mischievous David to cannonball into the swimming pool, soaking bystanders; blow bubbles into his drink, causing a spill, and more — basically, causing messes and mayhem wherever he goes. David thinks his antics are hilarious, but adults and classmates don’t always agree. Especially not his poor, embarrassed mother.

You just can’t miss with one of David Shannon’s David books. My personal favorite is David Goes to School, which I have read aloud to kids in English and Spanish (David va a la escuela (David Goes to School) (David Books)), but they’re all great!

[Sherri Silvera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the author's note.

[Brenda Kahn]

Thanks to Scholastic for the arc! David is back in a sixth installment doing what he does best - making mayhem. He's constantly amused with himself, but occasionally suffers some natural consequences. It's hard to believe that 27 years since David first captured our hearts and David Shannon captured a Newbery Honor.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved the David books since I received an ARC of No, David! This book further cemented that love. I am guilty of giggling at most of David's antics in this book. Shannon's illustrations, so complex and childlike at the same time, bring David and his surroundings to life in a joyful and colorful way. I just hope that David doesn't give the readers or listeners any new ideas. Nobody likes a peanut up their nose.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Shannon (Bad Case of the Stripes, Duck on a Bike, Jangles) brings toddlers through grade 2 another funny, wildly illustrated David book that is sure to have them reading it again and again. As with the first five books about the incorrigible youngster, David’s lack of impulse control and impishness lead him to make messes, cause his classmates to laugh and utterly frustrate his parents and teacher. Every page is filled with bold illustrations filled with details sure to generate much conversation among young readers and provide ample opportunities for caregivers to ask questions and lead children in making predictions and inferences along with all the laughter.

Thanks for the arc, Scholastic/Orchard Books.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute series of books written by a David, of course! I especially like the commentary by the author at the beginning of each story, explaining his motivation. I've enjoyed "No, David", "Grow Up, David", and "David Gets In Trouble". I've long been married to a David, and have decided these book title phrases must apply to all Davids, and for my David in particular, I regularly use this one: "That's not funny, David!"

[Ashley Urquhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I especially liked the author’s note at the beginning of the book. I think this book is great showing several examples of behavior that families can discuss together. Is this funny? Would it be funny at another time? In another situation?

Note: Thanks to Scholastic for providing an early finished copy for review!

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

David is back for another adventure with misbehaving, this time trying to be funny with the wrong actions. Well, at least they aren't all that funny to adults. He does things like cannonballs, eating messy, drawing not so funny pictures, and more. They even lead him to getting punished at school. At the end of the day, a mother's love may be tested but never broken, and I love the smile full of endearment he holds for his mom.

THAT'S NOT FUNNY, DAVID celebrates the humor children find in things along with the wacky illustrations we've come to expect from the amazing David Shannon. There isn't a book of his my daughter and I haven't enjoyed from David Shannon and this new installment is no different. My daughter especially thought it was funny when he was running away, not wanting to get dressed as she's done this to me before. David is relatable while also opening the opportunity to teach children what could have been done different.


Final Verdict: I would recommend this to children four and older who love the humor David Shannon always brings to the table. It addresses manners and misbehaving that children likely just see as being funny.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Featuring this loveable but trouble-making alter ego, author/illustrator David Shannon presents various scenes in which David, star of No, David!, acts in silly ways, trying to amuse others. Even though he receives a reprimand each time from some unseen individual, probably an adult, in the end, it's clear that he is loved and probably the person wouldn't really change him. After all, even though it isn't proper to blow bubbles into a drink, causing it to overflow or to cannonball into the pool, splashing others or to push a grocery cart into something, each of these is rather funny. The artwork is filled with these giggle-inducing scenes, including David with a moustache drawn with permanent marker, and it's easy to imagine just how hard someone would have to work to keep a straight face while reprimanding him. Fans of the previous David books will love this one just as much.

[Brandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really didn’t like this book. Maybe it’s because it was low-hanging fruit to write about things a kid does that aren’t supposed to be funny, but are. I could’ve written this myself: pulling a straw up & down in a fast food drink & making a noise; sloshing back & forth in the bathtub & spilling water out…with the threat of the tub ending up in the basement; picking peas up with a straw & eating them; breaking the middle two “tines” off a fork & dipping the outer two in chili & talk in a Dracula accent; farting loudly in class; burping loudly in class; putting on a show for the students through the door window when sent out in the hall; getting an elbow stuck between the metal banister & brick wall; drawing on the baby with marker; putting clothes on backwards & more.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the ALSC National Institute in Denver.

Our favorite little troublemaker David is at it again, but this time he's determined to make everyone laugh, even when he probably shouldn't. Between telling jokes in class, scaring his mom half to death, and even getting a peanut stuck up his nose, David learns not everything is funny.

I think that fans of the "No, David!" series will enjoy this latest entry and be laughing at all of David's crazy antics. Definitely a book I would recommend for all the little troublemakers out there!

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another David Book. This kid is crazy. Reading this gives me flashbacks to my nephew, who is much like my brother. This kid is always making mischief and is always doing something. Like coming up behind you on the couch to give you a good scare.

The artwork is interesting, but this poor kid looks appalling. I feel for the kid. I like the rest of the drawing though. It didn't say the medium, but I bet it's a blend of painting and digital in some way.

Kids are going to love this and the crazy things David does. It's sure to be a favorite for kids with a sense of humor.

[TheRetiredSchoolLibrarian |Mrs. Ferraris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: David is a comedian who tries to make everyone laugh, but he discovers that not all of his antics are funny to everyone. Ultimately, he still has his mother's unconditional love.

Comments: He's back! I missed David. I'd recognize that giant head and triangular teeth anywhere. Children identify with the antics of this little boy and laugh out loud.

A must for every library.

Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

David displays some of the most common behaviors that children think are funny and (mostly) adults do not. Will this give readers/listeners permission to try out these antics and test the reactions of their peers and grownups?
The author's note provides helpful context.
Tie-in with beginning of the year discussions about behavior expectations.
ELA: definitions--what defines funny?

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

David is back and once again up to some mischief! This is the sixth David book and each one is an excellent read and of course the illustrations are great and really add to the story! David is such a fun and relatable character for the kids! So if you are looking for a laugh out loud fun read you should definitely give this one a try!

[Bethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. David is back!!! New adventures/mishaps for everyone’s favorite mischievous kid. Fans will be so happy and the folks upset about the first book with a bare bum will be placated by a pair of undies this time around. Fans may also notice 2 appearances of the white dog. A must have for all collections! Love the author note. Kindle lists it available in Spanish as well.

[Elaine Fultz, Teacher Librarian, MLS · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing overall. It could be the tired (and jaded) teacher perspective that makes David's misbehavior not all that funny. He's wearing undies when he runs away, so no worries about censorship here, unless somebody objects to the page featuring David cannonballing into a pool splashing the legs of dressed up adults, one of whom is dropping a glass of wine. (It's happened before, folks...)

[Miriam Kahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This silly book will leave kids in stitches as all the "not funny" things David does.
Of course, kids should be encourage not to emulate or imitate David.

You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll think twice about letting kids read this! But they will!

Thanks to Scholastic Books http://www.scholastic.com for an ARC to read and review.

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars (I liked it)

Very similar to other books in the series. This one focuses on David "taking things too far." Not my favorite but it was still cute and if you enjoy other David books, you will also enjoy this one.

I definitely appreciated the author's note and how Shannon uses his own experiences as inspiration.

[Emily Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

That's Not Funny, David! by David Shannon is a hilarious and relatable story about a boy who learns that not everyone finds his jokes funny. The colorful, expressive illustrations make David’s adventures lively and engaging for young readers. This book gently teaches empathy and understanding in a fun, memorable way.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
Thanks Scholastic Book Fairs for sending this copy!
Sometimes when David gets in trouble, his mother can barely keep from smiling because although David's antics are NOT appropriate, they sometimes are a bit funny.

[Shanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant addition to the “No, David!” series. Especially love Shannon’s note at the beginning about humor and kids. This book will definitely make you laugh.

Mia’s Year of Books: Day 360 We are almost to one year of reading books (or parts of books) every day! 🐕

[Lynn Hardesty · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite author/illustrators. This one did not disappoint! Favorite scene is David running through the house, being chased by his mother, obviously delaying getting dressed! We've all seen (or been) this kid, huh?!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the original No, David! books, but they are being spread a little thin at this point. This book features David doing more naughty things, but it lacks the originality and freshness of the original.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another tale with the ever mischievous David. Consequences are shown, along with the ubiquitous underwear picture. Kids will love. Some good talking points about why certain things aren’t appropriate.

[Dr. Julie Wasmund Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new David book is coming this spring 2025! I received an Advanced Reader Copy at NCTE in Boston.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite David book yet! =)

[CYBILS Awards]

Thanks, Gina! For the lead on the new David book. https://insatiablereaders.blogspot.co...

[Y.Poston]

I'm always of fan of David & this one is no different! Delightful!

[Gabriela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the author’s note!