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Into the Uncut Grass
A story for all ages from the author of the #1 bestselling Born a Crime
“But sooner or later your mother will find us,” Walter said, looking back at the house. “She always does.”
The boy’s eyes lit up again. He had an idea.
“Then this time we need to go where we’ve never gone before,” he said. “Into the uncut grass!”
In the tradition of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse comes a gorgeously illustrated fable about a young child’s journey into the world beyond the shadow of home, a magical landscape where he discovers the secrets of sharing, connection, and finding peace with the people we love. Infused with the author’s signature wit and imagination, in collaboration with visionary artist Sabina Hahn, it’s a tale for readers of all ages—to be read aloud or read alone.
“But sooner or later your mother will find us,” Walter said, looking back at the house. “She always does.”
The boy’s eyes lit up again. He had an idea.
“Then this time we need to go where we’ve never gone before,” he said. “Into the uncut grass!”
In the tradition of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse comes a gorgeously illustrated fable about a young child’s journey into the world beyond the shadow of home, a magical landscape where he discovers the secrets of sharing, connection, and finding peace with the people we love. Infused with the author’s signature wit and imagination, in collaboration with visionary artist Sabina Hahn, it’s a tale for readers of all ages—to be read aloud or read alone.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published October 8, 2024
227 people are currently reading
19304 people want to read
About the author
Trevor Noah
5 books11.4k followersTrevor Noah is one of the most successful comedians in the world and was the host of the Emmy® Award-winning “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central for seven years. Under Trevor, “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” broke free from the restraints of a 30-minute linear show, producing engaging social content, award-winning digital series, podcasts and more for its global audience. Last year, “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” landed a record number of seven Emmy Award nominations.
Trevor is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller “Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood” and its young readers adaptation, released in 2019, “It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood,” which also debuted as a New York Times bestseller. The Audible edition of “Born a Crime,” performed by Trevor, was produced by Audible and remains one of the top-selling, highest-rated, and most-commented-on Audible performances of all time. To date, “Born a Crime” has sold over 3 million copies across all formats.
Trevor is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller “Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood” and its young readers adaptation, released in 2019, “It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood,” which also debuted as a New York Times bestseller. The Audible edition of “Born a Crime,” performed by Trevor, was produced by Audible and remains one of the top-selling, highest-rated, and most-commented-on Audible performances of all time. To date, “Born a Crime” has sold over 3 million copies across all formats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 906 reviews
August 10, 2025
In a Nutshell: A illustrated chapter book with two interesting characters and a fable-style narrative. A nice mix of realism and fantasy. Loved the writing and the characters. Adored the thought-provoking bits of wisdom. I wish the ending had extended at least a couple of pages further, but even as is, this is a beautiful book for all, especially but not only for a joint parent-child reading session.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
Most of you would certainly have heard of South African comedian and host Trevor Noah. His shows are funny, but if you have read his memoir ‘Born a Crime’, you would know that underneath that light-hearted façade, he incorporates deep thoughts and feelings. Even when he hosted ‘The Daily Show’, his views were balanced between comedic and serious, both at the same time. He now extends this duality of thought to this illustrated chapter book.
The book begins with an author’s note, offering a background into the conception of and intention for this story. The write-up is a bit too detailed for younger kids, but adults will be able to appreciate it better. He states that it is not a children’s book but for a book for parents and children to explore together, but that it can work even if you aren’t a parent or a child.
I found it striking that the book was inspired by conflicts between Noah and his mother during his childhood. It made me wonder if the story would be negative in approach, or if it might support a child’s view against parental dominance or strictness. After all, parents (at least traditional ones) feel duty-bound to ensure that their children follow certain rules, which children obviously don’t understand or appreciate. However, Noah handles the delicate topic skilfully, beginning with a “conflict”, highlighting the thought process of the protagonist with many valid reasons, offering the counter-rationale through Walter the bear, and ending on a note of hope. What I loved most of all is that the book isn't biased towards parent or child. It presents a balanced narrative, even though the boy’s mother is never an active part of the plot.
This doesn’t mean that the book is just about parent-child conflicts. With some talking animals, magical beings, and animated objects, the book adds a good dollop of fantasy to what might otherwise have been a serious topic. Each chapter contains a new adventure with unexpected characters and thought-provoking life lessons. This, combined with Walter’s sage comments, ensures that the book offers plenty to reflect upon, both for adults and for children.
The unnamed boy and his teddy Walter easily won my heart. Their connection might remind you of Calvin and Hobbes, with less naughtiness and more witty introspection. Walter is really wise, the voice of reason against the boy’s rebellious heart.
As a rule (Oh, the irony of using the word for this story!), I don’t like books that show child characters running away from home. But this book handles the situation perfectly! The boy’s impulsive decision is nicely counterbalanced by his later uncertainty and Walter’s practical advice. I just wish the ending had offered better completion. It does stop on a positive note, with realisation (and hunger) dawning, but it stops at the plan than on the subsequent action. To see their actual return home and an acceptance that rules exist for a reason would have elevated the story further.
The text seems to cater to the purpose of the book well. There are some tough words, but as this isn't meant to be a children’s book, these words could easily be explained to kids by their older reading partners. There is tremendous feeling behind the prose. Whether joy or annoyance or frustration or patience, every emotion comes across beautifully through the text as well as the illustrations. There are also plenty of quotable quotes: some funny, some wise. Sample this amazing line: “The day should start when I wake up. I should not have to wake up to start the day.” Yes, please! 😄
The illustrations complement the text well and even enhance the impact of the words. There is so much energy in the graphics! You can almost feel the animation behind each illustration.
My library also had the audiobook version, clocking at 39 minutes and narrated by the author himself. I read the two versions separately to get a better feel of each format. I was anyway reading the digital text in Trevor Noah’s voice. So I thought the audio version would be even better. Much to my surprise, it fell a bit flat. Noah is a great reader, as expected, and he uses his acting experience well while emoting the fun parts. But his choice of voice for both the boy and Walter didn’t match what was in my head. Further, many scenes felt drab without the accompanying art. My suggestion: Don’t choose the audiobook unless you also have the print/digital edition because the impact of the story hinges more on the illustrations.
Overall, I enjoyed the digital version, with its loveable characters, impactful storyline, and thought-inducing morals. There is a lot of wisdom in this gem, a wisdom of the kind that many of us need to remember and implement in this chaotic, conflict-ridden world. The author is right: this is a picture book for all ages. I am sure parents will smile through this and I hope that many children will understand why we impose rules on them when we ourselves don’t like too many rules.
Definitely recommended. This would be a great option for ages 5+.
4.25 stars.
This was a library read.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
|| My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
A young boy is tired of the routine chores his mom forces him to do everyday. So when he wakes up one bright Saturday morning, he makes a special plan ‘before chores ruin this special day.’ He takes his best friend – Walter, his teddy bear – and decides to run away from home into the uncut grass beyond his house yard. Walter tries his best to dissuade the boy, but the boy is determined to ‘be free’. What happens next?
Most of you would certainly have heard of South African comedian and host Trevor Noah. His shows are funny, but if you have read his memoir ‘Born a Crime’, you would know that underneath that light-hearted façade, he incorporates deep thoughts and feelings. Even when he hosted ‘The Daily Show’, his views were balanced between comedic and serious, both at the same time. He now extends this duality of thought to this illustrated chapter book.
The book begins with an author’s note, offering a background into the conception of and intention for this story. The write-up is a bit too detailed for younger kids, but adults will be able to appreciate it better. He states that it is not a children’s book but for a book for parents and children to explore together, but that it can work even if you aren’t a parent or a child.
I found it striking that the book was inspired by conflicts between Noah and his mother during his childhood. It made me wonder if the story would be negative in approach, or if it might support a child’s view against parental dominance or strictness. After all, parents (at least traditional ones) feel duty-bound to ensure that their children follow certain rules, which children obviously don’t understand or appreciate. However, Noah handles the delicate topic skilfully, beginning with a “conflict”, highlighting the thought process of the protagonist with many valid reasons, offering the counter-rationale through Walter the bear, and ending on a note of hope. What I loved most of all is that the book isn't biased towards parent or child. It presents a balanced narrative, even though the boy’s mother is never an active part of the plot.
This doesn’t mean that the book is just about parent-child conflicts. With some talking animals, magical beings, and animated objects, the book adds a good dollop of fantasy to what might otherwise have been a serious topic. Each chapter contains a new adventure with unexpected characters and thought-provoking life lessons. This, combined with Walter’s sage comments, ensures that the book offers plenty to reflect upon, both for adults and for children.
The unnamed boy and his teddy Walter easily won my heart. Their connection might remind you of Calvin and Hobbes, with less naughtiness and more witty introspection. Walter is really wise, the voice of reason against the boy’s rebellious heart.
As a rule (Oh, the irony of using the word for this story!), I don’t like books that show child characters running away from home. But this book handles the situation perfectly! The boy’s impulsive decision is nicely counterbalanced by his later uncertainty and Walter’s practical advice. I just wish the ending had offered better completion. It does stop on a positive note, with realisation (and hunger) dawning, but it stops at the plan than on the subsequent action. To see their actual return home and an acceptance that rules exist for a reason would have elevated the story further.
The text seems to cater to the purpose of the book well. There are some tough words, but as this isn't meant to be a children’s book, these words could easily be explained to kids by their older reading partners. There is tremendous feeling behind the prose. Whether joy or annoyance or frustration or patience, every emotion comes across beautifully through the text as well as the illustrations. There are also plenty of quotable quotes: some funny, some wise. Sample this amazing line: “The day should start when I wake up. I should not have to wake up to start the day.” Yes, please! 😄
The illustrations complement the text well and even enhance the impact of the words. There is so much energy in the graphics! You can almost feel the animation behind each illustration.
My library also had the audiobook version, clocking at 39 minutes and narrated by the author himself. I read the two versions separately to get a better feel of each format. I was anyway reading the digital text in Trevor Noah’s voice. So I thought the audio version would be even better. Much to my surprise, it fell a bit flat. Noah is a great reader, as expected, and he uses his acting experience well while emoting the fun parts. But his choice of voice for both the boy and Walter didn’t match what was in my head. Further, many scenes felt drab without the accompanying art. My suggestion: Don’t choose the audiobook unless you also have the print/digital edition because the impact of the story hinges more on the illustrations.
Overall, I enjoyed the digital version, with its loveable characters, impactful storyline, and thought-inducing morals. There is a lot of wisdom in this gem, a wisdom of the kind that many of us need to remember and implement in this chaotic, conflict-ridden world. The author is right: this is a picture book for all ages. I am sure parents will smile through this and I hope that many children will understand why we impose rules on them when we ourselves don’t like too many rules.
Definitely recommended. This would be a great option for ages 5+.
4.25 stars.
This was a library read.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
|| My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
August 18, 2025
“If imagination is the rocket, then books are the rocket fuel. They supercharge the mind and help it see beyond what it can conceive on its own.”
There is an interesting little backstory between this book, my local library and me. I originally ordered this book for check-out on October 4, 2024. Yes, you heard me right. Last year. And then, my library cancelled the order on December 4, 2024 and said the book was no longer available. What? I guess that meant they decided not to include it in the library system. Or, did they?
Recently, I noticed it on Goodreads, which reminded me of how much I had wanted to read the book. So, I decided to do an online search of it at my library. And, sure enough it was in the system. What? So, I ordered it again on August 8, 2025. I was happy to receive it on August 12, 2025. I will never understand the mystery of what occurred last year, and why they did not notify me that it was available again for order. Oh well. I am just pleased to have the opportunity to finally read it.
To be honest, I did not know what this reading experience would be. I just wanted to read it, because I enjoyed Noah’s audio book, “Born a Crime.” So, when I was treated to this splendidly illustrated fable of a young boy and his teddy bear, I knew I was in for a different version of Noah’s imagination.
For anyone who has read, “Born a Crime” they will know he had a complicated relationship with his mother. For those who haven’t, please consider listening to the audio version. He is the narrator, and he is amazing in the telling of his own story.
With this one, he lets readers know immediately in the introduction that this story is “inspired by a conflict” with his mother. And, thus we are off and running to learn why through this lovely illustrated adventure that is not necessarily a children’s book for kids but “a book for kids to share with parents and for parents to share with kids.”
What happens when the boy chooses to defy his mother’s rules on this particular Saturday? And, instead heads out on his own with his teddy bear, Walter? Will there be lessons to learn on the way? What could possibly happen when he chooses to play and adventure amongst the “uncut grass?”
This is a story of imagination and exploration – of rules and freedom and the power of connection for a young boy. It is thoughtful and engaging and easy-to-read for readers of all ages. With a particularly different and discussable ending.
And, it is especially encouraging in the way it can bring families together to discuss the importance of why parents/adults might set rules, and why children might want certain freedoms. Which is why this would make a great discussion book for families and teachers/kids in school.
4.5 stars
Born A Crime - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
There is an interesting little backstory between this book, my local library and me. I originally ordered this book for check-out on October 4, 2024. Yes, you heard me right. Last year. And then, my library cancelled the order on December 4, 2024 and said the book was no longer available. What? I guess that meant they decided not to include it in the library system. Or, did they?
Recently, I noticed it on Goodreads, which reminded me of how much I had wanted to read the book. So, I decided to do an online search of it at my library. And, sure enough it was in the system. What? So, I ordered it again on August 8, 2025. I was happy to receive it on August 12, 2025. I will never understand the mystery of what occurred last year, and why they did not notify me that it was available again for order. Oh well. I am just pleased to have the opportunity to finally read it.
To be honest, I did not know what this reading experience would be. I just wanted to read it, because I enjoyed Noah’s audio book, “Born a Crime.” So, when I was treated to this splendidly illustrated fable of a young boy and his teddy bear, I knew I was in for a different version of Noah’s imagination.
For anyone who has read, “Born a Crime” they will know he had a complicated relationship with his mother. For those who haven’t, please consider listening to the audio version. He is the narrator, and he is amazing in the telling of his own story.
With this one, he lets readers know immediately in the introduction that this story is “inspired by a conflict” with his mother. And, thus we are off and running to learn why through this lovely illustrated adventure that is not necessarily a children’s book for kids but “a book for kids to share with parents and for parents to share with kids.”
What happens when the boy chooses to defy his mother’s rules on this particular Saturday? And, instead heads out on his own with his teddy bear, Walter? Will there be lessons to learn on the way? What could possibly happen when he chooses to play and adventure amongst the “uncut grass?”
This is a story of imagination and exploration – of rules and freedom and the power of connection for a young boy. It is thoughtful and engaging and easy-to-read for readers of all ages. With a particularly different and discussable ending.
And, it is especially encouraging in the way it can bring families together to discuss the importance of why parents/adults might set rules, and why children might want certain freedoms. Which is why this would make a great discussion book for families and teachers/kids in school.
4.5 stars
Born A Crime - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
December 4, 2024
Into the Uncut Grass is worth the read — or listen, as most of us know by now that Trevor Noah is an excellent narrator. This is a fable, tying together themes of imagination, friendship, family, and home.
Into the Uncut Grass is story for all ages and I enjoyed listening to it.
Into the Uncut Grass is story for all ages and I enjoyed listening to it.
November 17, 2024
This was, unfortunately a huge disappointment for me.
The writing was a bit amateur, and the 'adventure' in itself was kind of boring. I think there were lessons to be learnt - particularly in regards to conflict resolution - but the book ended too abruptly for those lessons to sink in. I think the idea of seeing things from someone else's point of view is a good one, but we never truly see the character learn that lesson.
Ultimately, this felt a bit unresolved and unsatisfying.
The writing was a bit amateur, and the 'adventure' in itself was kind of boring. I think there were lessons to be learnt - particularly in regards to conflict resolution - but the book ended too abruptly for those lessons to sink in. I think the idea of seeing things from someone else's point of view is a good one, but we never truly see the character learn that lesson.
Ultimately, this felt a bit unresolved and unsatisfying.
Read
January 28, 2025Trevor Noah is a gem. Loved the audio of this, a thoughtful romp told in his voice.
January 19, 2025
My mom had this out from the library and encouraged me to read it. Delightful! The illustrations are so whimsical. The text is simple and funny and wise. Walter is my favorite. And his waffles. 😂
January 22, 2025
Nothing like a good picture book to get you through adulthood
The making the bed subplot was personal to me
The making the bed subplot was personal to me
Want to read
August 26, 2023Into the Uncut Grass is a “moving modern fable” about forgiveness, acceptance and solidarity for readers of all ages, its publisher One World states.
Illustrated by Christopher Myers
Nts buying link:
https://tinyurl.com/bd8mxrwr
Illustrated by Christopher Myers
Nts buying link:
https://tinyurl.com/bd8mxrwr
October 25, 2024
On Oct. 8th, readers saw the release of one of my most highly anticipated releases of 2024: “Into the Uncut Grass,” written by Trevor Noah and illustrated by Sabina Hahn.
With his latest release, Noah tried his hand at crafting a fable – quite the departure from his 2016 #1 New York Times bestselling memoir: “Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood.” Noah did not disappoint; I was justified in my excitement for this book release, as it was everything I had hoped for and Noah did not disappoint.
"Into the Uncut Grass" follows a young boy and his sleepy, waffle-loving bear named Walter as they go on an imaginative adventure far away from the rules and chores of the house. The young boy and Walter encounter a series of characters that each, in turn, offer them some valuable life lessons. For example, a pair of snails teaches them the power of trying somebody else’s way and taking their perspective and anthropomorphic coins offer them wisdom into “the beauty of life” about making choices.
In the vein of "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse" by Charlie Mackesy and "The Little Prince" by Antione de Saint-Exupéry, "Into the Uncut Grass" is written for the kid in all of us. Noah notes in the introduction that “[the book] is a picture book, but it’s not a children’s book.” While youthful in appearance, the messages that are strewn throughout the book are deep and universal. Readers of all ages can appreciate and connect with different aspects of Noah’s work. It makes a great gift book to keep in mind when you are looking for something new and thoughtful to give a loved one.
Hahn’s colorful illustrations are simplistic and cute, but add a great deal value to the book, offering imaginative stills that capture the essence of a child’s curiosity. I could not help but be swept up in the whimsical nostalgia that came over me as I remembered what it was like to go exploring in my backyard, trusty stuffed bear in hand.
The book encourages us all to explore the ‘uncut grass’ in our own lives,. The uncut grass, the area that is not traversed, is understanding. We as a society need to practice understanding and tolerance of others viewpoints. ‘Into the Uncut Grass’ really emphasizes this point and could not have been released at a more pivotal time. As a talking garden gnome reminds readers, “Every person is just an obstacle unless you try to understand them.”
Noah writes that the book was inspired by conflict, I find this interesting because it acts as a bandage to the wounds of conflict, reminding readers that it is okay to be curious (yes, even as a “grown-up”) and that it is more than okay to explore beyond what you are used to and see the world through another point of view.
Heartfelt and thought-provoking, ‘Into the Uncut Grass’ is a hidden gem of a book and is enjoyable for readers of all ages. Noah certainly did not disappoint me with this publication and I have a feeling it will be one of my favorite reads of 2024.
Full review article here:
https://theridernews.com/book-review-...
With his latest release, Noah tried his hand at crafting a fable – quite the departure from his 2016 #1 New York Times bestselling memoir: “Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood.” Noah did not disappoint; I was justified in my excitement for this book release, as it was everything I had hoped for and Noah did not disappoint.
"Into the Uncut Grass" follows a young boy and his sleepy, waffle-loving bear named Walter as they go on an imaginative adventure far away from the rules and chores of the house. The young boy and Walter encounter a series of characters that each, in turn, offer them some valuable life lessons. For example, a pair of snails teaches them the power of trying somebody else’s way and taking their perspective and anthropomorphic coins offer them wisdom into “the beauty of life” about making choices.
In the vein of "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse" by Charlie Mackesy and "The Little Prince" by Antione de Saint-Exupéry, "Into the Uncut Grass" is written for the kid in all of us. Noah notes in the introduction that “[the book] is a picture book, but it’s not a children’s book.” While youthful in appearance, the messages that are strewn throughout the book are deep and universal. Readers of all ages can appreciate and connect with different aspects of Noah’s work. It makes a great gift book to keep in mind when you are looking for something new and thoughtful to give a loved one.
Hahn’s colorful illustrations are simplistic and cute, but add a great deal value to the book, offering imaginative stills that capture the essence of a child’s curiosity. I could not help but be swept up in the whimsical nostalgia that came over me as I remembered what it was like to go exploring in my backyard, trusty stuffed bear in hand.
The book encourages us all to explore the ‘uncut grass’ in our own lives,. The uncut grass, the area that is not traversed, is understanding. We as a society need to practice understanding and tolerance of others viewpoints. ‘Into the Uncut Grass’ really emphasizes this point and could not have been released at a more pivotal time. As a talking garden gnome reminds readers, “Every person is just an obstacle unless you try to understand them.”
Noah writes that the book was inspired by conflict, I find this interesting because it acts as a bandage to the wounds of conflict, reminding readers that it is okay to be curious (yes, even as a “grown-up”) and that it is more than okay to explore beyond what you are used to and see the world through another point of view.
Heartfelt and thought-provoking, ‘Into the Uncut Grass’ is a hidden gem of a book and is enjoyable for readers of all ages. Noah certainly did not disappoint me with this publication and I have a feeling it will be one of my favorite reads of 2024.
Full review article here:
https://theridernews.com/book-review-...
October 20, 2024
Thank you Penguin Random House for sending me a copy of this adorable book! 📖
"But sooner or later your mother will find us," Walter said, looking back at the house. "She always does." The boy's eyes lit up again. He had an idea.
"Then this time we need to go where we've never gone before," he said. "Into the uncut grass!" 🌾
In the tradition of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse comes a gorgeously illustrated fable about a young child's journey into the world beyond the shadow of home, a magical landscape where he discovers the secrets of sharing, connection, and finding peace with the people we love.🧸
It’s a tale for readers of all ages and I’ll be honest, this cute book made me wanna be a mom so bad. I can’t wait to read books like this to my child hahaha 🤱🏻📖🤍
"But sooner or later your mother will find us," Walter said, looking back at the house. "She always does." The boy's eyes lit up again. He had an idea.
"Then this time we need to go where we've never gone before," he said. "Into the uncut grass!" 🌾
In the tradition of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse comes a gorgeously illustrated fable about a young child's journey into the world beyond the shadow of home, a magical landscape where he discovers the secrets of sharing, connection, and finding peace with the people we love.🧸
It’s a tale for readers of all ages and I’ll be honest, this cute book made me wanna be a mom so bad. I can’t wait to read books like this to my child hahaha 🤱🏻📖🤍
November 14, 2024
This is a delightful book about the friendship between a boy and his teddy bear, about making choices and living with the results of the choices made — and about returning home.
Read
January 11, 2025First half is outstanding but the second half is average( the adventure is not that adventurous at all.) Overall,it's a goodread.
Favourite lines from the book -
"The day should start when I wake up," Walter said through a yawn. "I should not have to wake up to start the day."
The gnome spoke again. "What does your mother say when you tell her about your, um, terrible struggle?"
"We've never told her," Walter said.
"She wouldn't understand," the boy added. "She just wants to stop us from doing what we want."
"Oh," the gnome replied. "But why would she want to do that?"
The boy was baffled. "Why? Why do grown-ups do anything?"
"Good question," the gnome said. "Why don't you ask her?"
"What difference would it make?"
"It makes all the difference!" The gnome now lowered his voice, as if telling the boy an important secret. "Every person is just an obstacle unless you try to understand them. Even your own mother! It's like the way a gate can seem locked if you don't understand how it opens."
"Well, that's the beauty of life," the old coin said. "Sometimes you make the right choice and things go wrong, and sometimes you make the wrong choice and things go right."
"if you can still call it home", he haid, "you can always go back."
Favourite lines from the book -
"The day should start when I wake up," Walter said through a yawn. "I should not have to wake up to start the day."
The gnome spoke again. "What does your mother say when you tell her about your, um, terrible struggle?"
"We've never told her," Walter said.
"She wouldn't understand," the boy added. "She just wants to stop us from doing what we want."
"Oh," the gnome replied. "But why would she want to do that?"
The boy was baffled. "Why? Why do grown-ups do anything?"
"Good question," the gnome said. "Why don't you ask her?"
"What difference would it make?"
"It makes all the difference!" The gnome now lowered his voice, as if telling the boy an important secret. "Every person is just an obstacle unless you try to understand them. Even your own mother! It's like the way a gate can seem locked if you don't understand how it opens."
"Well, that's the beauty of life," the old coin said. "Sometimes you make the right choice and things go wrong, and sometimes you make the wrong choice and things go right."
"if you can still call it home", he haid, "you can always go back."
November 3, 2024
Hardly a story for all ages, it’s instead a rather generic and boring children’s story. The art is cute enough and there’s some whimsy, but it’s not particularly fun or interesting, and certainly won’t linger in my mind after today.
March 22, 2025
خیلی بی مزه بود. واقعا دوسش نداشتم. توی بارنز اند نوبل خوندمش و کنارم دوتا دختر هندی نشسته بودن که داشتند با صدای بلند غیبت میکردند. اعصابم ریخته بود بهم.
April 22, 2025
It’s a lovely and charming children’s book, exactly what I was looking for. Surprisingly, it triggered a vivid memory from my childhood when I disobeyed my parents and embarked on an adventure outside the house, causing them immense worry. 🤭
This is part of this year’s genre challenge, and the prompt that led me to this one was “a children’s book published after 2020 by an author of colour.”
This is part of this year’s genre challenge, and the prompt that led me to this one was “a children’s book published after 2020 by an author of colour.”
April 18, 2025
Adorable.
Read this together with my kids and they absolutely loved it. The beautiful drawings were a big hit as well.
Read this together with my kids and they absolutely loved it. The beautiful drawings were a big hit as well.
November 12, 2024
Noah’s picture book is a very relatable, personal and delightful story that really has strong “Winnie the Pooh” vibes. We follow a boy and his toy bear deciding to run away from home when he’s tired of following his mom’s rules, and along the journey they find some creatures with similar issues.
It’s a wonderful story that reminds us of how we didn’t like to follow rules when we were little, but we will always have a home. Hahn’s colorful watercolor scribbles are also simple and quite vivid. Sometimes it’s nice to have a friend with you, whether you agree it them or not. Fuzzy and cuddly 🐻. A- (91%/Excellent)
It’s a wonderful story that reminds us of how we didn’t like to follow rules when we were little, but we will always have a home. Hahn’s colorful watercolor scribbles are also simple and quite vivid. Sometimes it’s nice to have a friend with you, whether you agree it them or not. Fuzzy and cuddly 🐻. A- (91%/Excellent)
October 8, 2024
This was my most anticipated book of the year. I love Trevor, but I did not love this book. I was lucky enough to get both the audio and ebook from the library. Trevor, of course, does a great job narrating.
February 5, 2025
Was disappointed! I love Trevor Noah’s storytelling, but this one fell short for me. The characters felt flat and the morals of the story were explicitly stated over and over, leaving little to the imagination and assuming little intelligence of its readers.
October 31, 2024
Lovely gift book for parents of young children, the children themselves and all others. Perfect illustrations.
March 22, 2025
Makes sense that Trevor was born a crime because this book is criminally adorable.
August 10, 2025
Sweet, real, heartwarming.
September 3, 2025
I love Trevor Noah, and his book, Born a Crime, is one of the best memoirs I’ve read. So when I saw he had written an illustrated children’s book, I had to get that from my local library. The book was inspired by his own personal conflicts with his mom, as you will read in the books introduction. It’s a lovely little story, or fable, with wise words and themes. Probably best for elementary aged kids.
March 15, 2025
5+++ stars!! -- What a little gem of a book! The adventures of the boy and his bear, Walter, take them into the uncut grass beyond the boy's backyard. They venture there because the boy is running away from his mother's rules. He wants a restriction-less life, the freedom to do as he pleases. His encounters at the back gate and in the grass beyond, along with nudges from Walter, help the boy see a bigger picture about life & rules & compromise. I loved so many turns of phrase in this story, as evidenced by the number of quotes below. I also feel like this compares favorably to The Little Prince due to the adventurous journey and the unusual characters who share their wisdom along the way. I really loved this story.
Favorite Quotes:
"'The day should start when I wake up,' Walter said through a yawn. 'I should not have to wake up to start the day.'"
"'Well, clearly it's not the day I get to finish my dream,' the bear said... 'You're right,' the boy said. 'It's even better than that. Today's the day we get to make our dreams come true.'"
"'Today we will climb to the very top of the tall, tall tree and finally catch a cloud. Then we must finish digging our hole to the middle of the earth to see if the giant gumball is real,' he proclaimed."
"'Every person is just an obstacle unless you try to understand them.'"
"'Because everyone thinks they are right...' Spiral said. '...until they discover they're wrong,' Stripe said."
"And one more time, Walter reminded the boy of what he already knew. 'If you still call it home,' he said, 'you can always go back.'"
Favorite Quotes:
"'The day should start when I wake up,' Walter said through a yawn. 'I should not have to wake up to start the day.'"
"'Well, clearly it's not the day I get to finish my dream,' the bear said... 'You're right,' the boy said. 'It's even better than that. Today's the day we get to make our dreams come true.'"
"'Today we will climb to the very top of the tall, tall tree and finally catch a cloud. Then we must finish digging our hole to the middle of the earth to see if the giant gumball is real,' he proclaimed."
"'Every person is just an obstacle unless you try to understand them.'"
"'Because everyone thinks they are right...' Spiral said. '...until they discover they're wrong,' Stripe said."
"And one more time, Walter reminded the boy of what he already knew. 'If you still call it home,' he said, 'you can always go back.'"
November 19, 2024
Listed on a Random House Book Club email.
I read "Born A Crime" because of a Read Globally, Act Locally, book club; it was a book (regretably)
I wouldn't have otherwise picked up; won't make the mistake with this book by Trevor Noah.
--
For me, this was a slow start, even for a 'picture book'
This book is about family, it's mostly about communication and listening,
Communication and listening....
Once of those books everyone should read.
A good gift idea.
I read "Born A Crime" because of a Read Globally, Act Locally, book club; it was a book (regretably)
I wouldn't have otherwise picked up; won't make the mistake with this book by Trevor Noah.
--
For me, this was a slow start, even for a 'picture book'
This book is about family, it's mostly about communication and listening,
Communication and listening....
Once of those books everyone should read.
A good gift idea.
November 16, 2024
For adults or for kids? I say kids, but a little clunky for a kids book, with the introduction, a little simple for adults in the short story part. I picked this up because it looked like The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, and it is similar but it is a little less universally applicable. I should probably read Born a Crime.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2024
Cute picture book that’s also good in audio
This was a sweet book with a fable about making and living with the choices you make, and about returning home. The illustrations were beautiful and I can see parents reading this out loud to their kids. I enjoyed Trevor Noah’s narration, and this is one story that is perfect at the intended speed. I would recommend this book.
This was a sweet book with a fable about making and living with the choices you make, and about returning home. The illustrations were beautiful and I can see parents reading this out loud to their kids. I enjoyed Trevor Noah’s narration, and this is one story that is perfect at the intended speed. I would recommend this book.
October 15, 2024
Although written as a children's book, this short story gives a lot of insight into the author, when the authors note in the beginning is taken into account.
Read
October 26, 2024Trevor Noah you will always be famous
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