The Future Book
by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Shawn Harris
Interest age: 4 to 7
Published by Simon & Schuster, 2026
About this book
There are lots of strange things to learn about the future, as we find out in this very bright, funny picture book.
For example, the sun is called ‘the moon’, the moon is called ‘the sun’, and people don’t say goodbye - instead, they say, ‘You smell like a baby.’
Many other amazing facts are featured within this book, alongside beautiful and surreal illustrations of humans with green fish on their heads and other great visuals.
This is a fantastic book to read out loud and show the pictures to children aged 4 and up, particularly for 5, 6, and 7-year-olds who will get the absurd humour. They may start speaking like this, perhaps making these predictions actually come true!
The Future Book would be great to read with a whole class and could stimulate many discussions, plus help children to love reading.
It’s one of those books that are so unique and new that you get excited about all the books that haven’t been written yet!
More books like this
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This is Not My Hat
by Jon Klassen
2 to 9 years
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Don’t Trust Fish!
by Neil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan Santat
4 to 5 years
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I Can Only Draw Worms
by Will Mabbitt
2 to 9 years
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How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?
by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen
5 to 9 years
Lists of recommended reads
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Funny picture books
From bottoms and pants to kung-fu pandas and monsters, there is a story for every child in this great list of funny books that will have you and your child rolling about with laughter.