That's Dangerous!

by Francesco Pittau, Bernadette Gervais

This audacious little book for children ages three and up is a catalog of "don'ts" sure to make kids squirm and squeal with delight-and parents laugh out loud. Jumping down the stairs, sticking your fingers in a fan, swallowing thumbtacks . . . That's Dangerous!

Not for the faint of heart, this kid approved book focuses on a love of all things bad and dangerous. Firmly focused on fun, That's Dangerous! is the perfect distraction to help your young child learn to read, while also offering plenty of teachable moments of what not to do.

Genres: Picture Books, Humor, Childrens

80 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Francesco Pittau è nato in Sardegna ma è di nazionalità belga. Attualmente vive e lavora a Bruxelles. È autore di numerosi libri per bambini insieme a Bernadette Gervais e proprio alcuni dei loro maggiori successi sono stati tradotti per la prima volta in Italia da Il Castoro

Reviews

[Mr Bramley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't really enjoy this book but I can definitely understand why young children might.

It's the kind of book that children would love to yell, laugh and point at, but could still be used as a serious talking point if a teacher maybe specifically wanted to make a point out of one of the mentioned activities for example.

I would personally find it a bit of a stretch and could think of better ways I would turn to first.

[Shandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bizarre, French book of 'what not to do' for kids, but it really seems more like 'give kids ideas'... just a little too dark for me to actually ever read to a child. It did make me laugh uncomfortably, though, and it makes a funny story to tell other grownups about it!

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not convinced this is actually a book for kids, more of a tongue in cheek kids book for adults. Drawings are awesome.

[Amanda Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading “That’s Mean” I was thrilled to find this book for my toddler. Unfortunately it was not what I was hoping for, leaving me underwhelmed at best.

[Bradley Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen to my discussion about this book at the Of Books & Booze podcast!

[Marta Timbrook · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a book for adults, I would rate this much higher as it totally played to my dark sense of humor, but knowing it is marketed as a picture book for kids... I just can't. The child in this book is happily doing things like smoking, juggling knives, playing with matches, and playing with guns. There is no lesson for a child to take away other than that these things look fun based on the illustrations. Just not the message I want to share nor is the humor something I want to have to explain to a little one.

[Tomiko · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is such a jarring disconnect between the cheery artwork and the dangerous acts the child is performing that I just can't help but appreciate the absurdity of it. No, it is not a good read-aloud choice for preschoolers or kindergartners. It is a funny coffee table book for adults much in the vein of Go the F to Sleep, poking fun at the children's lit canon, yet remaining utterly one of a kind. Some readers report that the phrase "That's dangerous" has become a running family joke--I can totally see that happening with older kids (who already know better than to swallow tacks) or teens. I have to admit that I had a weird gut reaction about the gun and the smoking, but I think I'm ok with it as long as it is shared appropriately (I'd say even with a young child, as long as the parent/guardian discusses it with the child).

[Nathaniel Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the world's best coffee table book. Definitely not for kids! People will laugh at it until the last two pages, when the authors totally cross the line. It is now a catch phrase with my sister, and it sparks some interesting conversation, which accomplishes its purpose as a coffee table book. It rests next to Einstein's Dreams, What Would Machaevelli Do?, and my collection of Onion Stories.

[Bristol Daley · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Picture Book)
This book describes several different dangerous situations. It definitely would show children not to do these actions, but I found it not the most appropriate for children because it will also give children ideas and curiosity to also try some of these. I think it is more of a young adult/adult humorous book.

[Jenn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't find it humorous or educational. We got it as a gift and my three year old wants to read it, but I don't think the pictures of a kid with a bag over his head, smoking, or putting a gun to his face are at all funny. Good thing the only page he finds "funny" is the carrot in the ear.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

crazy french book for little kids - love it!

okay i don't think it's a good idea to give this to little kids, probably because i would have gone right out and tried all of them but it is really odd and really cute

[N · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you would like to laugh or fill someone's head with bad ideas, this is the book for you.

[SarahKate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy, oh boy did I need to read this book. Sticking carrots in my ear was one of my favorite pastimes but now I know, That's Dangerous.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hmm, not something I'd read to the boys, but it is so funny! My true rating would be 4.5 stars.

[Molly]

AWESOME

[DuPar · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maybe this book is funny for some, but I felt like it would only give kids more ideas for things not to do.

[Xander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Hilarious!

[Dex]

Jeez Louise, has anyone seen this book? Frankly, I'm shocked, and those of you that know me know I don't shock easily.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

good for a big brother/ big sister book.
very funny. great pics.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eli was quite a fan.