BOOK SYNOPSIS
Bernard tries to inform his parents that there is a big monster in the garden that wants to eat him, but they are so engrossed in their day-to-day chores that they keep telling him the same thing.. “Not now, Bernard!”
Bernard is swiftly eaten by the monster, who enters his house but also finds it hard to get any attention from either of the parents. None the wiser, they carry on with their business while the monster eats Bernard’s dinner, watches the TV and finally sleeps in his bed! The confused monster even questions his role within the story at one point and declares aloud - ‘But I’m a monster!’ Even though the book ends on a quiet note, there is trouble brewing for the distracted parents, whom you suspect might also be eventually eaten.
There was a time when this darkly surreal tale about the perils of poor parenting skills would have been dismissed as an example of a previous bygone age. However, in these times parents may be more attuned to their offspring’s emotional needs but there are new challenges and time pressures in the age of the cost of the living crisis, where both parents often need to earn a living. All of this makes ‘Not Now Bernard’ suddenly not only quaint but also once more relevant.
You will either find this disturbing story, in which the main character is eaten within the first few pages, unsettling and distressing or you will find its chaotic narrative hilarious and engrossing.
As die-hard David McKee fans here at Gobbledy Books we absolutely loved it and it is our strongly recommended Book of the Month for August!