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13 Zany Picture Books That Break the Fourth Wall

by Iva-Marie Palmer

Photography by Seana Williamson

We all want a book that speaks to us, but for little readers, a book that literally speaks to them is one they won’t forget. These picture books break through the fourth wall and bring kids (and the adults reading to them) into the story. Some offer participatory calls to action, and others reach across the page through a character or two who can’t resist addressing the audience directly. Show your little reader how easy it is to get lost in storytime with these delightful, unconventional reads.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2018 and updated in 2022.