Twenty Questions by Mac Barnett illustrated by Christian Robinson

Publisher blurb: Not all questions have answers. Some have more than one answer. And others have endless answers, unfolding out to the edges of the world. In this spare yet expansive narrative, acclaimed author Mac Barnett poses twenty questions, both playful and profound. Some make us giggle. Others challenge our assumptions. The result is a quirky, wandering exploration of where the best questions lead—to stories. Intriguing, richly interactive, and brought to vivid life by Caldecott Honor recipient Christian Robinson’s bright and whimsical illustrations, Twenty Questions is a charming invitation to speculate without limits and know no bounds.

This book is puzzling and fun. I saw Colby Sharp talking about it earlier this year and he said this book only really came to life when it was shared with his class. I sure do wish I could do this too.

The questions make more sense when you see the wonderful illustrations by Christian Robinson but here are a few to give you a flavour of this book which I think should be added to all school library collections:

Which of these ladies just robbed a bank?

What is the boy hiding behind his back?

Where did the bandits bury the treasure?

Who gave Mr Beckett a bump on his noggin?

What did the lion get the lamb for her birthday?

I adore the end papers too.

Here is an interview with Mac Barnett and Christian Robinson where they talk about their book. You can either listen or read the transcript. And they talk about it here too. 

Each spread creates its own world, inviting readers to discuss—either orally or in writing—their own answers. A humorous vein runs through the book, but other emotions are also evoked, including poignancy. ... Quirky entertainment to jump-start creativity. Kirkus

There are no wrong answers. Each question is expressed in playful terms with amusing illustrations but the whole concept is thought provoking and, for older children, challenging. Reading Time

Twenty Questions is hilarious and whimsical and delightful. It’s a genius concept and it’s flawlessly executed. It’s basically a list of open-ended questions for children to answer - and I mean really open-ended. One page basically says “how many animals can you not see in this picture.” A big part of the humor is how there’s obviously no correct answer, and kids will undoubtedly love to play along anyhow. It’s very original and a lot of fun. Dad Suggests