That is NOT a Good Idea!

A hungry fox encounters a plump goose on the streets of an old-world city and invites her to dinner. The story unfolds in the style of a silent movie, complete with title cards and dramatic black-and-white scenes. Throughout the tale, a chorus of baby chicks repeatedly interrupts the narrative with warnings, creating a call-and-response pattern that young readers can join. The visual format switches between the main story and the commenting chicks, building tension with each page turn. The book plays with reader expectations and conventional fairy tale elements while teaching children about making smart choices. Its unique blend of silent film aesthetics and picture book storytelling creates a fresh take on traditional predator-prey narratives.

Parents and teachers report this book reliably delights young children ages 3-8 through multiple readings. Readers highlight the effective use of repetition, dramatic tension, and the silent chorus of baby geese who serve as commentators. Likes: - Format mimics old silent movies with title cards - Interactive elements engage kids who shout warnings - Surprise ending subverts expectations - Works for both group readings and one-on-one - Illustrations convey character emotions clearly Dislikes: - Some find the pacing slow in the middle - A few parents note the old-fashioned film style confuses very young children - Small number of reviews mention concern about themes of danger Ratings: Goodreads: 4.25/5 (11,700+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (1,900+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.8/5 (90+ ratings) "Perfect for storytime!" appears frequently in reviews, with teachers noting students request repeat readings. Multiple reviewers mention the book teaches children about trusting their instincts.

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🎬 Silent movies, which inspired this book's style, first appeared in the 1890s and dominated cinema until "The Jazz Singer" introduced sound in 1927. 🏆 Mo Willems began his career as an Emmy-winning writer for Sesame Street, where he worked for nine years before becoming a children's book author. 🦊 Foxes and geese have appeared as opposing characters in fables since Aesop's time, dating back to ancient Greece around 600 BCE. 📚 Willems' first children's book "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!" was rejected by multiple publishers before becoming a Caldecott Honor book in 2004. 🎨 The black-and-white aesthetic and title cards used in the book pay homage to German Expressionist films of the 1920s, known for their dramatic shadows and suspenseful storytelling.