Book Review: The Most Boring Book Ever

When I saw Brandon Sanderson had a picture book out, I had to buy it. I love his books, usually of the epic fantasy kind, so I was especially curious what The Most Boring Book Ever would be about!

It turns out the title doesn’t lie. If it weren’t for the illustrations, this really would be the most boring book ever… but the artwork brings everything to life. Page by page, the pictures reveal something important about imagination and the whole worlds we can create in our minds (something Brandon Sanderson is, of course, so good at!). It’s a playful reminder that sometimes the story isn’t handed to us; sometimes we’re invited to make it ourselves.

Noticing Prompt:
How did you feel when you realized there wasn’t much narration in this book? What did the simplicity encourage you to do with it? Did you find yourself lingering on each page longer—or moving through more quickly?

Play Prompt:
Pick one of the scenes in the book and describe it out loud to someone else (maybe a child). You can make it funny, adventurous, or sweet. Try all three with the same page! Then invite the child to create their own version.

Imagination Prompt:
Sit in a chair and let yourself imagine for a few minutes. Where do your thoughts naturally take you? What might that say about what’s on your heart? Then try choosing ahead of time where the “story” should go. Are you able to imagine yourself there? Is that harder or easier? Which way of imagining do you prefer?

Prayer:
Imaginative God, thank you for the gift of imagination. Help us use it wisely and for good, and not to let our thoughts wander without restraint. May we always keep our eyes on you. Amen.