Recess
A Picture Book
Published on 28. August 2025
Book
Hardback
40 pages
978-1-4197-7689-2 (ISBN)
Description
Bestselling and award-winning creator Lane Smith presents an interactive read-aLOUD that invites readers to take a break, run wild with their imaginations, and join in on some good-natured, school-sanctioned shenanigans.
School is where you go to learn. It is fun.
But sometimes you need a little break from all the fun.
That is why there is recess.
But what if it's not recess time?
No problem!
You can have a Now Recess, a Really-Need-a-Break Recess, a Wherever-You-Are Recess.
It doesn't matter what you call it. Just make sure you shout it:
RECESS!
Featuring the distinctive humor and beloved art of bestselling Caldecott honoree Lane Smith, this irresistibly fun, interactive read aLOUD is the perfect stress reliever to send kids into fits of giggles and shaking out their wiggles.
School is where you go to learn. It is fun.
But sometimes you need a little break from all the fun.
That is why there is recess.
But what if it's not recess time?
No problem!
You can have a Now Recess, a Really-Need-a-Break Recess, a Wherever-You-Are Recess.
It doesn't matter what you call it. Just make sure you shout it:
RECESS!
Featuring the distinctive humor and beloved art of bestselling Caldecott honoree Lane Smith, this irresistibly fun, interactive read aLOUD is the perfect stress reliever to send kids into fits of giggles and shaking out their wiggles.
Reviews / Votes
***STARRED REVIEW***"This interactive explosion of a book bursts off the page, engulfing young listeners in its inescapable exuberance...Wilder than any rumpus, this recess isn't just a break-it's silliness incarnate!" * Kirkus Reviews * ***STARRED REVIEW***
"The illustrations, even those meant to depict brooding and dullness, are stunning. Lane's signature brush strokes radiate energy and showcase intrigu-ing textures, and the students have arresting, oftentimes Picasso-like faces...Don't miss Recess. Perfect for a rowdy, rol-licking read-aloud, every classroom needs a copy of this treasure chest of delicious fun." * BookPage * ***STARRED REVIEW***
"A high-energy, high-participation read, tailor-made for storytime, that joyfully affirms play as essential, not extra, and is likely to become a classroom favorite." * Horn Book Magazine * ***STARRED REVIEW***
"Younger audiences, as well as teachers and librarians on the lookout for quick indoor stretches that are fun and safe, will go bananas." * School Library Journal * "Ever the troublemaker, Smith stages a jubilant, eye-popping, and highly interactive mutiny against the tyranny of strictly scheduled fun...a playful work that suggests an effective educational strategy can consist of knowing when to momentarily abandon ship." * Publishers Weekly * "It's plenty of fun touched with a bit of subversive humor, and the narrator's struggle between reigning in the glee and happily joining it will be familiar to any young-at-heart adult who has had to be the responsible party amidst a sea of chaotic joy." * Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books * "The breezy, conversational tone of the text, along with the dry observations of recess antics...will bring smiles even to those beyond the usual picture-book crowd." * Booklist *
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
Abrams
Target group
Children/juvenile
US School Grade: From Preschool to Third Grade, Interest Age: From 4 to 8 years
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
With dust jacket
Illustrations
Full-color illustrations throughout
Dimensions
Height: 258 mm
Width: 261 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight
503 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4197-7689-2 (9781419776892)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
07/2025
Abrams Books for Young Readers
€17.49
Available for download
Person
Lane Smith is the author and illustrator of It's a Book, A Stickler Christmas, Stickler Loves the World, and A Gift for Nana, as well as Grandpa Green, a Caldecott Honor book. He is also known for illustrating The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, and James and the Giant Peach. He has received awards such as the Kate Greenaway Medal, Lifetime Achievement honors from the Society of Illustrators and the Eric Carle Museum, and five New York Times Best Illustrated Books awards. Smith and book designer Molly Leach live in rural Connecticut.