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Recess
Bestselling and award-winning creator Lane Smith presents an interactive read-aLOUD that invites readers to take a break, run wild with their imaginations, and join in on some good-natured, school-sanctioned shenanigans
School is where you go to learn. It is fun.
But sometimes you need a little break from all the fun.
That is why there is recess.
But what if it’s not recess time?
No problem!
You can have a Now Recess, a Really-Need-a-Break Recess, a Wherever-You-Are Recess.
It doesn’t matter what you call it. Just make sure you shout it:
RECESS!
Featuring the distinctive humor and beloved art of bestselling Caldecott honoree Lane Smith, this irresistibly fun, interactive read aLOUD is the perfect stress reliever to send kids into fits of giggles and shaking out their wiggles.
School is where you go to learn. It is fun.
But sometimes you need a little break from all the fun.
That is why there is recess.
But what if it’s not recess time?
No problem!
You can have a Now Recess, a Really-Need-a-Break Recess, a Wherever-You-Are Recess.
It doesn’t matter what you call it. Just make sure you shout it:
RECESS!
Featuring the distinctive humor and beloved art of bestselling Caldecott honoree Lane Smith, this irresistibly fun, interactive read aLOUD is the perfect stress reliever to send kids into fits of giggles and shaking out their wiggles.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published July 22, 2025
3 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Lane Smith
107 books351 followersLane Smith was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but moved to Corona, California at a young age. He spent summers in Tulsa, however, and cites experiences there as inspirations for his work, saying that "[o]nce you've seen a 100-foot cement buffalo on top of a donut-stand (sic) in the middle of nowhere, you're never the same."
He studied art in college at the encouragement of his high school art teacher, helping to pay for it by working as a janitor at Disneyland. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in illustration, and moved to New York City, where he was hired to do illustrations for various publications including Time, Mother Jones, and Ms..
Smith is married to Molly Leach, who is a book designer and designed the Smith/Scieszka collaboration.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/lanesmith
He studied art in college at the encouragement of his high school art teacher, helping to pay for it by working as a janitor at Disneyland. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in illustration, and moved to New York City, where he was hired to do illustrations for various publications including Time, Mother Jones, and Ms..
Smith is married to Molly Leach, who is a book designer and designed the Smith/Scieszka collaboration.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/lanesmith
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 15, 2025
Makes me wish I was teaching so I could read this book to my class! 💜💜
September 30, 2025
Love this author and many of her other books, but this one missed the mark for me.
October 8, 2025
Holy guacamole! I love a book that kids can yell along with! This is a book that can be brought out to burn off the excess energy little first graders carry around with them at the end of the day.
I CAN’T WAIT!
I remember the first time I read THE BOOK WITH NO PICTURES (after I’d hear Novak read it at ALA) or WE DON’T EAT OUR CLASSMATES or CREEPY CARROTS. Will this be the next hot word-of-mouth book busting through the elementary checkout lines? It will if I have anything to say about it. What do I have to say? Bananas!
I CAN’T WAIT!
I remember the first time I read THE BOOK WITH NO PICTURES (after I’d hear Novak read it at ALA) or WE DON’T EAT OUR CLASSMATES or CREEPY CARROTS. Will this be the next hot word-of-mouth book busting through the elementary checkout lines? It will if I have anything to say about it. What do I have to say? Bananas!
November 5, 2025
If I wasn’t retired, I’d read this to every class in the library (K-5) on a rainy day when outside recess wasn’t possible.
November 22, 2025
This book MUST be read out loud! It is one of those books that will instantly engage the readers to take wiggle breaks and get loud and silly as you read the book to them. Would work well for reading to just one kid or to a whole group of kids. Heck, this book could actually make a fun recess break on a snowy winters day for a class of elementary kids. SO MUCH FUN! Lane Smith is a true genius.
August 24, 2025
Some of the wackiness, color, energy, and irreverence of Smith's earlier works may come to mind when looking at the cover of this latest release. A thorough look at his work reveals wide variety in techniques, media, style, design, and tone. If past titles don't spring to mind, I'll just mention the outrageousness and lively humor of THE STINKY CHEESE MAN or THE TRUE STORY OF THE THREE LITTLE PIGS By A. WOLF (both partnered with Jon Scieszka) to the very different images and tone of A HOUSE THAT ONCE WAS written by Julie Fogliano. For a peek at that variety of talent, take a quick look at a collage of his covers:
You can see what I mean. This is one versatile creator who does NOT need my praise to succeed!
And yet... I can't resist celebrating his latest picture book, released just in time for BACK TO SCHOOL! You heard me right. BACK TO SCHOOL! I lived or decades in a state in which public schools could not resume, by law, until after Memorial Day (even though that meant attending through the middle of June). I now live in a state without such restrictions. I see school buses and kids in uniforms, toting backpacks, from early AUGUST onward.
My hope for them, first and foremost, is that the schools they attend have air conditioning.
My next hope is that every classroom will purchase and share Lane Smith's new picture book, RECESS.
The tongue-in-cheek text pairs with fantastic page design and kid-centric art to capture and exploit the feeling of those kids in those desks. Especially during AUGUST!
ABRAMS, RECESS, 2025 (Interior art)
It's never easy to shift gears from summer schedules to back-to-school demands, as this early spread suggests so effectively:
That first reveal of text design is a pattern used throughout and is worth noting. The first lines of text addresses kids who are less than energized as they sit in class, then a lively string of anticipatory words, followed by tiny text refuting the hopes indicated.
Each page turn/enticement leads to a double page spread of recess releasing.
ABRAMS, RECESS, 2025 (Interior art)
That text design on the RECESS pages also utilizes that varied text layout to exaggerate the silliness of the described activity, the insistence to STOP!, then an added tiny-print last line with a notably different voice and perspective.
What I appreciated about this, especially was my memory of those covid-school days/months in which kids were NOT allowed to have contact with each other, even wear masks. They had to learn to cope with the isolation a community that was restrictive by definition. RECESS included.
In this new work, it's joyful to share the goofiness of moving our bodies to provide escape from the drudgery of necessary tasks. Following each RECESS command/spread, a page turn takes readers back to a nearly black-and-white, scowl-inducing situation that is all too familiar to school kids. Most make easy metaphors for adults at work, too. Smith's exaggeration of both sides of life, from unfulfilling routines to unimaginable raucousness, will not only trigger giggles but will invite repeated readings (and enactments!).
This is a perfect case of picture books NOT just being for little kids. From preschool through college kids (who ALSO end up back in class in August!), to employment settings, I recommend sharing this book once and then keeping it on hand for future, unexpected spread-breaks. A sudden shout out and movement jolt is a powerful tool for energizing creativity and problem solving. If a kiddo has the bedtime wiggles, try enacting a full read-through to exhaust some of that energy. If a lengthy car ride is in the works, many of these recess experiences can be executed while seat belted and soaring down the road. By simply admitting that endless stationary sitting is not human nature, a hilarious fresh start can reset the tone for everyone involved.
You can see what I mean. This is one versatile creator who does NOT need my praise to succeed!
And yet... I can't resist celebrating his latest picture book, released just in time for BACK TO SCHOOL! You heard me right. BACK TO SCHOOL! I lived or decades in a state in which public schools could not resume, by law, until after Memorial Day (even though that meant attending through the middle of June). I now live in a state without such restrictions. I see school buses and kids in uniforms, toting backpacks, from early AUGUST onward.
My hope for them, first and foremost, is that the schools they attend have air conditioning.
My next hope is that every classroom will purchase and share Lane Smith's new picture book, RECESS.
The tongue-in-cheek text pairs with fantastic page design and kid-centric art to capture and exploit the feeling of those kids in those desks. Especially during AUGUST!
ABRAMS, RECESS, 2025 (Interior art)
It's never easy to shift gears from summer schedules to back-to-school demands, as this early spread suggests so effectively:
That first reveal of text design is a pattern used throughout and is worth noting. The first lines of text addresses kids who are less than energized as they sit in class, then a lively string of anticipatory words, followed by tiny text refuting the hopes indicated.
Each page turn/enticement leads to a double page spread of recess releasing.
ABRAMS, RECESS, 2025 (Interior art)
That text design on the RECESS pages also utilizes that varied text layout to exaggerate the silliness of the described activity, the insistence to STOP!, then an added tiny-print last line with a notably different voice and perspective.
What I appreciated about this, especially was my memory of those covid-school days/months in which kids were NOT allowed to have contact with each other, even wear masks. They had to learn to cope with the isolation a community that was restrictive by definition. RECESS included.
In this new work, it's joyful to share the goofiness of moving our bodies to provide escape from the drudgery of necessary tasks. Following each RECESS command/spread, a page turn takes readers back to a nearly black-and-white, scowl-inducing situation that is all too familiar to school kids. Most make easy metaphors for adults at work, too. Smith's exaggeration of both sides of life, from unfulfilling routines to unimaginable raucousness, will not only trigger giggles but will invite repeated readings (and enactments!).
This is a perfect case of picture books NOT just being for little kids. From preschool through college kids (who ALSO end up back in class in August!), to employment settings, I recommend sharing this book once and then keeping it on hand for future, unexpected spread-breaks. A sudden shout out and movement jolt is a powerful tool for energizing creativity and problem solving. If a kiddo has the bedtime wiggles, try enacting a full read-through to exhaust some of that energy. If a lengthy car ride is in the works, many of these recess experiences can be executed while seat belted and soaring down the road. By simply admitting that endless stationary sitting is not human nature, a hilarious fresh start can reset the tone for everyone involved.
July 21, 2025
School is pretty fun, with all the learning that goes on all over the building. “But sometimes we need a break from all that fun, right? That’s why there’s recess.” Unfortunately, a full-length recess is not always an option. An unnamed narrator, presumably a teacher, describes the various learning activities taking place at Freedom Elementary - word problems, spelling, music class - and then blurts out “RECESS!” and gives instructions for the students to take a quick break within the context of the lesson. Something silly happens - we’re told to type in the air, faster and faster, during media class - for a brief interlude before the narrator realizes things are getting out of hand and declares “End of RECESS.” Even the classroom’s ‘calm down corner’ becomes a spot for a little recess, where the students are encouraged to do all the silly things from the previous pages, leading to an equally valuable time: ‘CHILL.’
The interactive concept of this book is funny enough; kids will use any excuse to shout “BANANAS” over and over again or play invisible musical instruments. But the imaginative wordplay and mixed-media illustration style of Lane Smith take it to the next level of comedy. The page spreads alternate between a black-and white (-ish) picture of a glum-looking student and an explanation of the current lesson, and an excessively vibrant illustration of the same kid participating in the assigned recess event. There are so many elements that will make this a successful read aloud - particularly Smith’s trademark use of varying font sizes and fluid text layout, the snarky little throwaway lines that will require close listening at the end of each recess, and the fact that it can actually be used as a recess itself! It is also sure to spark creative and valuable conversations among teachers and students about how to implement necessary breaks into daily routines and less-engaging activities. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
The interactive concept of this book is funny enough; kids will use any excuse to shout “BANANAS” over and over again or play invisible musical instruments. But the imaginative wordplay and mixed-media illustration style of Lane Smith take it to the next level of comedy. The page spreads alternate between a black-and white (-ish) picture of a glum-looking student and an explanation of the current lesson, and an excessively vibrant illustration of the same kid participating in the assigned recess event. There are so many elements that will make this a successful read aloud - particularly Smith’s trademark use of varying font sizes and fluid text layout, the snarky little throwaway lines that will require close listening at the end of each recess, and the fact that it can actually be used as a recess itself! It is also sure to spark creative and valuable conversations among teachers and students about how to implement necessary breaks into daily routines and less-engaging activities. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
August 19, 2025
Summary: Everyone needs a break from learning, and that is when RECESS comes in. What happens when recess is already over but we still need a break?
Comments: This is a fun interactive book featuring a call-and-response format that will have students giggling and full of energy. It makes an excellent read-aloud option for a "recess" moment when the day feels dull and a mental break is needed.
I loved how the book alternates between boring gray and then a bright color for the recess activity.
The illustrations were created with oil paints, colored pencils, cold wax, gesso, sandpaper, and digital scribbling on 24" x24" wood panels.
Lane Smith never disappoints me with his books. Another masterpiece!
Rating: 5/5 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
Comments: This is a fun interactive book featuring a call-and-response format that will have students giggling and full of energy. It makes an excellent read-aloud option for a "recess" moment when the day feels dull and a mental break is needed.
I loved how the book alternates between boring gray and then a bright color for the recess activity.
The illustrations were created with oil paints, colored pencils, cold wax, gesso, sandpaper, and digital scribbling on 24" x24" wood panels.
Lane Smith never disappoints me with his books. Another masterpiece!
Rating: 5/5 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
August 18, 2025
A book came out in 1993 that changed my world, The Happy Hocky Family by Lane Smith. And all these years later Smith is still writing hilarious, oddball, highly original picture books and I am grateful.
This one, Recess, invites the audience (probably kids) to do crazy things: shake your body, quack like a duck, yell "bananas," pretend you're typing, bounce an invisible ball, etc. Will get your audience, big or small, on their feet moving.
Themes: humor, action/movement
Ages: K-5th+ grade
Pub year: 2025
This one, Recess, invites the audience (probably kids) to do crazy things: shake your body, quack like a duck, yell "bananas," pretend you're typing, bounce an invisible ball, etc. Will get your audience, big or small, on their feet moving.
Themes: humor, action/movement
Ages: K-5th+ grade
Pub year: 2025
September 15, 2025
This is going to be a very fun read-aloud with preschool storytime. It is also going to be a very stressful storytime if I ever choose to use this book for the YMCA storytime (50+ children). I thought this book was super silly, uniquely and richly illustrated, and- AGAIN- authored by someone whose previous work I loved. I'm just not sure about how boring we are making the rest of school sound. Even if those recess pages were sillier than the classroom spreads, but the classroom spreads still had some color? I don't know. It was a great visual effect, I'm just not sure of the psychological one.
October 21, 2025
This is a very fun, interactive book that celebrates the idea of recess. Sure, school can be fun. But everyone needs some time away from studying which is why there is recess! This book guides you in taking a break from school and will have you yelling BANANA and shaking your booty. And, of course, quacking like a duck!
Just a fun book to read when you want to get the sillies out. It begs to be read out loud with a large group of kids who are ready to make some noise.
Peek under the dust jacket. The cover is different.
Just a fun book to read when you want to get the sillies out. It begs to be read out loud with a large group of kids who are ready to make some noise.
Peek under the dust jacket. The cover is different.
August 15, 2025
4 stars (I really liked it)
This is fun. I can totally see kinds loving this book like they love The Book with No Pictures. I do worry that the interactiveness encourages lots of loudness and unruliness which I anticipate will be hard to reign in when finished. I guess that's the point though.
This is fun. I can totally see kinds loving this book like they love The Book with No Pictures. I do worry that the interactiveness encourages lots of loudness and unruliness which I anticipate will be hard to reign in when finished. I guess that's the point though.
October 18, 2025
A lively interactive picture book that taps into the high-energy need for a break from the structured school routine. Enthusiastic listeners will find themselves shaking their booty, quacking like a duck, and more. This will be a fun book to share during storytime or anytime that you want listeners to get up and move.
"If Jeri has 34 bananas and Jon takes
2 bananas and Jorge takes 3 bananas
and the class iguana eats 4 bananas,
how many people can yell 'Bananas!'?"
"If Jeri has 34 bananas and Jon takes
2 bananas and Jorge takes 3 bananas
and the class iguana eats 4 bananas,
how many people can yell 'Bananas!'?"
August 16, 2025
Recess at Freedom Elementary is fun and a time children look forward to. They embrace shaking their legs, hands, and booty, and playing. But must stop for math and computer time, spelling, gym, and music. And the Calm down corner is a subject before children are allowed the freedom of recess and going wild again. Lots of big colorful illustrations and the wild activities.
November 21, 2025
A bit conflicted on this one for Mock Caldecott, as too many of my students give themselves recess breaks already. At the same time, I love an interactive readaloud, and we really should have morning AND afternoon recess like we did back in the 80s. We'll see ... expecting a lot of screaming from certain classes.
November 25, 2025
I suspect the success of this story's delivery may lie in how willing/comfortable the reader is with audience interactivity. I believe it could be a rip-roaring read-aloud for elementary audiences, and I look forward to featuring it during future "back-to-school" library events. One of my most favorite, school-related "finds" of 2025.
August 16, 2025
I wasn't huge fan of the illustrations necessarily, but the text was great. It would make a perfect read aloud for an elementary school and maybe even for middle school students. It has lots of opportunities for being interactive with the audience.
August 25, 2025
A kid's energy builds repeatedly throughout the school day until the sweet release of recess. I love Lane Smith's books but I'm positive many of the illustrations in this book would have scared the bejeebus out of me as a kid.
September 4, 2025
A totally silly (yet useful) idea about recess within the classroom. It’s about taking a break by moving for a few moments and then being done. I could see where teachers could implement these “breaks” in a classroom. My favorite is typing in the air or ghosts tickling-so cute.
September 17, 2025
This will be an amazing interactive read aloud for families and classes. Smith makes his point about how important recess is in a funny and loud way. The repetitions in text and rhythm will appeal to readers of all ages.
October 16, 2025
Smith has hit the JACKPOT with this one. I read it cold, based on the description and his upcoming appearance on live Mackin webinar, and the kids LOVE it!! Incorporate into storytimes right now if you haven't already.
November 5, 2025
I feel like this book sent the message that it's okay to take a break when you're working for a long time and that a lot of the time these breaks help you to stay focused. It gives examples as to what could count as a break.
November 22, 2025
Very much one to read aloud with a group of kids in an interactive way: saying and doing things at all the different RECESSes.
Funky but fun illustration style -- initially seems bright but then the angularity and a bit of mutedness comes through.
Funky but fun illustration style -- initially seems bright but then the angularity and a bit of mutedness comes through.
November 24, 2025
This book talks about all the subjects in school, nbut how at recess they are able to get all of their wiggles out. The illustration that go with this book are super detailed, this is a fun book to read.
December 6, 2025
Super silly book about the release that is recess. Sometimes recess can be air typing or pretending to play the tuba. Take a thing and make it silly. And then…stop and be calm. Love the illustrations.
July 24, 2025
I am a HUGE Lane Smith fan! I am aleyglad to read a new one.
July 31, 2025
3.5 stars
Uncommon and unusual settings for "recess"
Uncommon and unusual settings for "recess"
August 8, 2025
What a fun book! The book design and illustrations are spectacular, and it will be a blast to share this with kids to start the school year.
August 12, 2025
Very fun and could be a great read aloud for kids who are having trouble sitting still. It's interactive and silly. And perfect, classic Lane Smith art.
August 13, 2025
H.I.L.A.R.I.O.U.S!
This will be a fantastic storytime hit!
This will be a fantastic storytime hit!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews