Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis

Portis, Antoinette. Not a stick. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2008. 32 pages. ISBN 978-0061123252. Picture book. Preschool and up. Official website: http://www.antoinetteportis.com/


"Hey be careful with that stick." Says an unknown off page voice. "It's not a stick." Says a piglet using fishing pole, constructed with the stick, to pull in a shark. This follow up book to New York Times bestseller, This is not a box, uses the same approach to stimulate children's imaginations by using a stick in creative ways. 


Not a Stick reinforces creative thinking. This book is a counteragent for the consumerist urge to buy the best plastic toys and an inspiration for parents looking for simple ways to keep children entertained. Now, we just have to get rid of the boxes of toys and take a walk. The simplicity of the concept, the simple line drawings, and dialogue which do not distract from the process of invention.