Not Now Bernard by David McKee

Not Now, Bernard is a children's picture book by David McKee that explores the consequences of parental neglect through a deceptively simple story. Bernard repeatedly tries to engage his preoccupied parents, who dismiss him with the phrase “Not now, Bernard.” When Bernard warns of a monster in the garden, his parents still ignore him, and the monster ends up eating Bernard and assuming his place in the household. The story uses this dark twist to highlight how children’s cries for attention can be overlooked, leading to emotional alienation. The book is widely considered a modern classic and a cautionary tale about the perils of ignoring children. It has sparked discussion about parenting styles and the emotional impact of neglect, with critics noting that the real 'monster' is the neglect itself rather than any creature. Despite initial controversy and concerns about frightening children, Not Now, Bernard remains in print and resonates with parents and educators as a powerful metaphor for the importance of listening to children and validating their feelings.

Reviews

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-09-18

good 4.50

The book is a classic story that is good, funny, and relatable, with echoes of 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf'. It serves as a metaphor for current political issues, highlighting the consequences of ignoring problems.

The book is a beloved classic that has been enjoyed many times. The story and illustrations are good, funny, and relatable, with echoes of 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf'. The parents in the story are always too busy to pay attention to their son, which is a theme that resonates with many readers. The book was written in 1980, long before smartphones and social media, but its message remains relevant. It has been compared to current political issues, serving as a metaphor for the consequences of ignoring problems. The book's simple yet powerful message makes it a timeless piece that continues to resonate with readers.

Quick quotes

The story and illustrations are good, funny, and, at first, relatable, with echoes of The Boy who Cried 'Wolf'.

There is a book that foresaw with precision this summer’s Conservative leadership contest, although it was first published in 1980.

Britain’s self-exclusion from continental markets is not the biggest cause of present economic pain but it will be hard to imagine remedies in the absence of any rational audit of that decision or any reexamination of the ideological fixations that provoked it.

montclair.edu · Unknown · 2025-09-18

thought-provoking 3.50

Not Now, Bernard is a darkly humorous and thought-provoking children's book that explores themes of neglect and parental indifference. The story's simplicity and stark illustrations effectively convey its unsettling message, making it a memorable and impactful read.

Not Now, Bernard is a children's book that stands out for its dark humor and profound themes. The story revolves around a young boy named Bernard who is repeatedly ignored by his parents, leading to a shocking and unsettling conclusion. The book's simplicity and stark illustrations enhance its impact, making it a memorable read. The themes of neglect and parental indifference are handled in a way that is both thought-provoking and disturbing. The book's ability to convey such serious issues through a seemingly simple story is commendable. It's a book that will stay with readers long after they've turned the last page.

Quick quotes

The book's dark humor and stark illustrations make it a memorable read.

The themes of neglect and parental indifference are handled in a way that is both thought-provoking and disturbing.

The book's ability to convey such serious issues through a seemingly simple story is commendable.

timeout.com · Unknown · 2018-06-06

melancholic 3.00

The stage adaptation of 'Not Now, Bernard' is entertaining but strangely bleak, capturing the haunting essence of the original picture book. The production's near-silent daze and lack of resolution convey a sense of unending parental neglect, making it more melancholic for adults than for children.

David McKee’s 'Not Now, Bernard' is a classic picture book with a haunting and weirdly bleak story about a boy ignored by his parents. The stage adaptation, directed by Sarah Argent, stays true to the book's minimalist approach, avoiding the usual jaunty songs and instead presenting a near-silent, hypnotic performance. The production's acid-bright set and lysergic live score create a peculiar atmosphere that conveys the boredom of a child's unstructured day. The moment when the monster eats and replaces Bernard is both fun and frightening, but the parents' continued neglect throughout the play adds a layer of melancholy. While children might find it scary and good, adults might overthink the story's bleak portrayal of parental neglect.

Quick quotes

The book is something of a classic, and if it seems a splash bleak, it's worth remembering that it’s a very brief read that’s pepped up with memorable illustrations.

I found it all curiously melancholic: stage adaptations of picture books almost always overcome the brevity of the story by bulking it out with jaunty songs.

Good fun for children, but perhaps a bit frightening for adults inclined towards overthinking.

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