Untitled

by Timothy Young

What do the world’s largest rodent and a highly social cousin of the raccoon have to talk about? Absolutely nothing! But, they do try to help the author with ideas for his next book. Join author Timothy Young and his new characters - a coatimundi and a capybara - in this silly story with a twist ending. You will laugh from start to finish as the plot unfolds and the search for the title lands on Untitled. Will we see these characters again as they walk off into the sunset?

Genres: Picture Books, Humor, Childrens, Animals

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2019

About the author

Timothy Young always wondered as a child who made the toys he played with, who wrote and illustrated the books he read and who made the cartoons he watched. He grew up to be one of the people who got to do all of them.

Aside from being an author/illustrator he has also designed toys, worked in animation and built puppets. He has also illustrated books for other authors.

His career highlights include being the Head Model-Maker for the Penny cartoons on the first season of Pee-Wee’s Playhouse, designing and building Muppets for Jim Henson Productions and sculpting the very first Simpsons character toys. He has been the design director for two toy companies and worked under contract with dozens of others.

Tim has visited hundreds of schools and libraries and finds that doing presentations with students is one of the most fun and rewarding things he get to do. He loves passing on what he’s learned to kids like himself.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Schiffer Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this HILARIOUS children's book in exchange for an honest review.

Buy this book for everyone you know! It's for children, but like animated films that we all watch today, there is plenty for the adults. This book made me laugh out loud it was so funny and clever! When I saw this was available to request, I clicked on it to see what it was about and there was no description. I saw that there were three glowing reviews so I decided to check it out and I'm really glad I did.

Ignatz and Carlos are friends who are waiting for the author to draw them an interesting story to be in. Their dialogue between each other is commentary on what the author/illustrator does and doesn't write in the book. The illustrations were fabulous and helped enhance the story. I don't want to say much more because it's best going in as blind as possible.

I highly recommend you buy this book and add it to your library. I know it will be a part of mine once it is published in May 2019!!

[Mel (Epic Reading) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little picture book is hilarious… if you’re an adult creative. I feel like most kids will think it’s just stupid (unfortunately) because they can’t appreciate or understand the difficulties of writers block or creative voids. Those times when you need to be pumping out content but just aren’t. So I reserve this picture book to be one you buy for adults, not kids.
Kudos to Timothy Young if he used this just to fulfill a publication deadline situation. It’s super cute and smart; just not a kids book, but does work as a gag adult gift.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

[La Coccinelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book doesn't have much of a story. It's just a couple of characters talking about being in a story, and sort of ragging on their author/illustrator. The self-referential thing can work if it's done well, but I don't think this book really accomplished that.

My favourite part was probably when the two characters were looking at their bookshelf. There were lots of familiar titles, but with coatimundi or capybara characters standing in for the original ones. That was kind of cute, but it might not be appreciated by all kids (especially if they haven't read the books in question). Actually, much of the humour in this book doesn't seem like it's for kids at all. For jokes that reference other works, you really need to have read those other works to "get it". That's more likely the older you are.

For a better book in a similar vein, I'd recommend Ryan T. Higgins's Be Quiet! The story is a little more suitable for kids, and the illustrations are nicer.

I'm afraid I have to agree with Ignatz when he said, "Mostly I'm just bored..."

Thank you to NetGalley and Schiffer Publishing for providing a digital ARC.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silly sort of story.

The two animals are doing a "Waiting for Godot" in that they are waiting for the writer to do something. In the meantime, they talk about what they would like to have happen.

I liked these tributes to the great children's books out there. (the pictures below)





And of course the ending is silly too.

Probably more for the adult children, because I'm not sure that the kids would get all the references to other picture books, unless they are well read.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[Seema Rao · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for a book about books, as this one is. This one is a bit of mixed bag. The illustrations take you through different styles, as the characters wander through books. They are well-done illustrations. But, the trope feels a little common. Brian Lees did this in Bats in the Library, for example. The text is less well-done. Give this a read if you see it in the library, but maybe not for the home library.

Thanks to NetGalley for the free copy for an honest review.

[Theresa Grissom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book.

Cute, unique picture book. I think the students at school will get a chuckle from this one. I really thought this book did not have a title until the end when I realized the book was actually called Untitled. Loved the two characters.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this story with my 8 year old and we both enjoyed the illustrations, especially the re-done book covers of well known books, but we felt like the story itself came up short.

https://www.schifferbooks.com/untitle...

Thank you to Schiffer Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the books created by Timothy Young. I think we both have the same sense of humour and I always look forward to his newest endeavour.

"Untitled", is a quirky title that draws you into the book. It gets readers engaged right from front the cover. Strange title eh? Mmmmmm.... I wonder what that's all about?

A coatimundi (Carlos) and a capybara ( Ignatz) drive the narrative by discussing the limitations of the author's prowess. They discuss how the book has no plot or sense of adventure and suggest ways that they might write the story to make it exciting and really fun if it was up to them. They imagine battling dragons, monsters, or aliens. They think that if the author makes them cowboys and sets the story in the Old West that would be really cool. Or how about an undersea adventure? That would be super awesome!


The friends sit and wait for the author to get on with it. What's he doing? What's taking him so long? Ignatz admits boredom so far and with the lame title, "Untitled", the duo can't even guess what the storyline will be. Oh my! Silly author, he probably has not written a whole paragraph in his life and here they are waiting forever and at his mercy.

The illustrations are brilliant and the fun twist at the end begs for a sequel. I love that the author includes a tribute to beloved children's books with Ignaz and Carlos substituting for the original cast. It would be interesting to seek out the master copies and read them also - a new adventure for kids, and a trip down memory lane for an adult. This is a witty, humorous book that will tickle the funny bone of both young and old alike and is highly recommended. Another winner by Timothy Young.

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 1 out of 5]

'Untitled' with story and pictures by Timothy Young is a story with two characters who break the fourth wall.

Two animal characters want something to happen. The author needs to give them something to do, and they are very vocal about it. They point out his laziness when he changes one fo the characters from a porcupine to a capybara so he won't have to draw the quills. They lament not being in other children's books.

I've read a few of these kind of titles and some are better than others. This is not one of the better ones. There are things I liked, like the library full of other children's books featuring the former porcupine. There are things I didn't like, such as the demeaning way the characters treat the author. I don't think this makes it a very good children's book.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Schiffer Publishing Ltd. and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Schiffer Publishing Ltd. through NetGalley.
Humorous story told from the characters' points of view while they wait for the author to create their story. There isn't even a title yet so they can figure out what will happen. One of them even becomes a different animal as they wait. Interesting ending that (hopefully) sets up a second book.
Young takes his characters on many journeys as they speculate about this book's adventure. They hope for action or originality. The humorous book covers and titles based on other stories will entertain adults and older readers.
A fun read aloud for elementary readers as well as a book they can enjoy on their own. Definitely humor for adults as well in the illustrations.
Can also be used to talk about the importance of the writing process - titles, plot outlines, etc.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was a fun discussion between 2 characters (who would provide opportunities for research being lesser known creatures) and I’d like to read a sequel after that cliffhanger!

I think it would have been helpful to be more familiar with the author’s work so that some of the things the characters said would have made a bit more sense to me. The illustrations were fun and bright and really captured the emotions of the animals.

Having said that, this would be a good book to use in school to show that a story can be written in any style, and how good a cliffhanger can be quite a simple book. I’d love to show my class the image of the characters looking at familiar books reimagined with them as characters to see which they recognised.

I received a free advanced e-copy of this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review,

[Nati_Bookist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Untitled is a witty little book about the dangers of having a very talented illustrator who, maybe, has never written a complete paragraph in his WHOLE life.* (*Info from a coatimundi & capybara, so not 100% sure about the veracity)

Quirky and cute with terrific illustrations. I absolutely love the nod to fellow authors & illustrators; how does Timothy Young know so many of my favorites? I think kids are going to have a ball picking out the references, much like finding Pigeon hiding out in Mo Willems' books.

Fun writing style in which Carlos & Ignatz engage with the readers, reminiscent of Mac Barnett's Count the Monkeys, Jon Klassen's This is Not My Hat, and Scott Campbell's Hug Machine.

** This really deserves 3 & 1/2 stars, it's better than good but not quite great.**

[Lacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Did you really just say OMG?”
“Sorry, he made me say it.”

Untitled is a laugh-out-loud hilarious short and cute Children's picture book where the characters aren't quite sure who they're supposed to be or what the author is trying to do with their plot. They might have a few ideas though. Maybe the sequel should be a choose-your-own adventure? 👀💞

For some reason Untitled reminded me of the old Nickelodeon cartoon, The Angry Beavers. 😂

***Thank you to Netgalley and Schiffer Publishing Ltd. for giving me the opportunity to read and review Untitled.***

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

You definitely have to have the right sense of humor for this, but I LOVED it! The illustrations are colorful, detailed, and add hilarity to the text, wherein a friendly coatimundi and porcupine-changed-into-capybara discuss the lack of plot and adventure in the book and detail what they wish they'd do. As a librarian, my favorite section was when they were in a library and all the classic titles were changed to include them ("Where the Capybaras Are" (Where the Wild Things Are), "Capybara vs. Bedtime" (Dinosaur vs. Bedtime), and my ultimate favorite: "Coatimundi in Undies" (instead of Fox in Socks)...I laughed way too hard at that last one!).

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. The following is my honest review. I have found over the years of attempting to select books for Munchkin, that there is nothing better than a comical children's book. Munchkin loved it and was in a fit of giggles the entire 2nd and 3rd time we read it. We didn't really know exactly what a coatimundi and a capybara were so it gave us an opportunity to learn something new along with all the silliness. I also like how it was able to show young readers how you can change the stories you create at any time. This was a fun blend of great information and teaching opportunities as well as all out silliness.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an unusual book! Although I'm no expert, I loved just how different this book was from most of the other children's books I have read recently. It doesn't have much of a plot; two characters talk about how they would like their story to be, with a few digs at the author/illustrator.

I thought it was brilliant, cute and very funny, with a great illustration style. It is certainly worth a read for anyone with young readers whom I think, will be charmed by it.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from the publisher via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Rinda Beach · Rating 4 out of 5]

UNTITLED is an unusual book because it breaks the 4th wall. If you’re wondering what that is, it means the characters are talking directly to you, the reader. In this story the 2 main characters are trying to work out the title and plot for this book. One’s a coatimundi, and the other’s a capybara. I’m not sure which is which, but one is the largest rodent, and the other is a social raccoon. I didn’t enjoy the book till the middle. That’s when something dangerous and unexpected happened. I love when an author can twist the ending. Without giving it away, I hope the coatimundi and capybara live to tell another tale.

[Chosptickz11 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this idea for a children's book. I really like children's books that come try to come up with a differnet way of presenting the information. This book is almost like a choose your own adventure but for the characters. I love how when they suggest something or ask something it appears on the next page. Very engaging for young children and their imagination and also a great way to introduce them to new lesser known animals.

I was provided a free digital ARC copy from NetGalley for my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit, as an adult, I really enjoyed this book. The characters are so self aware. They know they are characters in a book, and spend some time questioning what the author is doing and why one of them completely changes species.

I think that this is one of those books that parents are glad exist. When a kid wants you to read them a story, it's nice to have one that the adults find entertaining as well.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Author: Timothy Young
Publisher: Schiffer Kids
Publication Date: May 28th 2019

[Kericiolli · Rating 5 out of 5]

* I received an ebook copy of this book in return for my honest opinion. #NetGalley


This book is so fun! I love how the characters are experiencing the non story along with the reader. My son read this book to me as reading practice today and he thought it was funny. It’s hard to find books that he enjoys reading so this book was perfect! We both loved the ending too. Hopefully we find out if they get out of that T-Rex’s belly.

[Sarah Wyatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

The two animals in this picture book are frustrated with their author/illustrator for not writing them a good enough story. This was a cute read with some very funny moments--particularly the redone book covers of other famous picture books.

I think that I found this book funnier as an adult librarian who reads picture books all the time, and I could see my older students enjoying it. Preschoolers probably wouldn't understand it. I would recommend for school age (K+).

[Sarah Wyatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

The two animals in this picture book are frustrated with their author/illustrator for not writing them a good enough story. This was a cute read with some very funny moments--particularly the redone book covers of other famous picture books.

I think that I found this book funnier as an adult librarian who reads picture books all the time, and I could see my older students enjoying it. Preschoolers probably wouldn't understand it. I would recommend for school age (K+).

[Stevie Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received as an ARC from Schiffer Publishing via NetGally:

Very funny and very cute. I love the direct character interaction and the lovely, but simple illustration. Daydreaming, conversational characters are the best. It definitely fits in with the trend in humorous picture books. I especially appreciated the spread that included "modified" versions of Reynolds "Creepy Carrots" and classics such as Babar. That was most certainly a nugget for parents and I believe it will go over well.

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The page with the alternative titles of well known books was AMAZING! “creepy Capybaras,” “Coatimundi in Undies” etc. they were so good. Another thing I love about this book is that the dust cover is a poster on the back. How neat!
The book is a fun journey about how the author has no plans for the book. It would be a great book to share with students who are writing something themselves to show that ideas don’t always come easily.

[Kalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun book about what it takes to make a good story, at least from the perspective of the characters. The characters have all sorts of ideas about what the author and illustrator should be doing, but things don't go as plan when the author finally takes their advice. This book would be great when working with a group of kids who are making their own stories.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I’m not quite sure what to say about this one. I mean, obviously there wasn’t really a story line, but it was kinda quirky and funny. Would this appeal to a younger crowd? I’m not sure, but the artwork was awesome! Despite no particular plot, I liked it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Schiffer Publishing Ltd for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books that make you laugh are worth their weight in gold.

But it’s hard to put a price on books that put a smile on your face.

Untitled was cute, and a lot of fun. Really creative. It’s books like this that make me wish that I had a little one to read them to again.

Recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley and Schiffer Publishing Ltd. for a copy in return for an honest review.

[Magy · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Untitled a coatimundi and a capybara get tired of sitting around waiting for their author/illustrator to do something, so they start throwing out suggestions of what would make a good book. Though a fun idea and humorous at times, Untitled just doesn't quite fit together and leaves me wanting a bit more.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heh, heh, heh! short and funny! No one could guess the ending and I do hope there is a sequel! Illustrations are a hoot!

I received a Kindle ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.

[Lucsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just a really short story that is absolutely worth the read. It won't take more than five minutes and it will put a smile in your face for sure. If you love characters that know they are inside a story and decide to break the fourth wall and make fun of the author in a way that the story is both parts interacting with each other then this is for you. Also, the illustrations are absolutely amazing.