Not Me! by Deb Mortensen is a fun and meaningful children’s book about responsibility and honesty. The story follows Joshua, a young boy excited for his first day of school, but things don’t go quite as planned. A mischievous little character named Not Me appears on Joshua’s shoulder, whispering excuses and leading him to deny his mistakes. As Joshua’s day unravels, spilled milk, a runaway class hamster, and even a cafeteria mishap, he finds himself in deeper trouble. Eventually, he learns that blaming Not Me isn’t the answer, and taking ownership of his actions is the only way forward.

One of the best things about this book is how relatable it is. Every kid has been in Joshua’s shoes, messing up and wanting to dodge the blame. When he spills milk at breakfast and instinctively blurts out, “Not Me!,” I could almost hear the chorus of kids everywhere doing the same. The story captures that real moment of hesitation between telling the truth and avoiding trouble. Mortensen nails that internal conflict kids feel, making it an engaging and teachable story without ever being preachy.

The way Not Me! builds up Joshua’s frustration is hilarious and a little heartbreaking. Every time he tries to shake off Not Me, the troublemaker just digs in deeper. One of my favorite scenes is when Joshua, desperate to fit in, launches peas across the cafeteria and immediately hears Not Me blurt out the excuse. It’s a perfect moment of peer pressure, mischief, and regret all rolled into one. The humor keeps the story light, but there’s a clear emotional undercurrent that kids (and even adults) will recognize.

The turning point is what really makes this book special. When Joshua finally admits to everything, there’s no harsh punishment, no dramatic meltdown but a simple conversation with the principal and a realization that honesty feels better than hiding. That moment feels so genuine. When he tells Not Me to go away because he’s “not any fun,” it’s a small but powerful act of maturity. Instead of being lectured into honesty, Joshua arrives at it himself, making the lesson feel earned and real.

Not Me! is a fantastic read for kids who are just starting school or struggling with personal responsibility. The playful language and lively illustrations make it fun, while the underlying message about honesty sneaks in without feeling forced. Teachers, parents, and librarians will appreciate how it sparks conversations about accountability in a way kids actually understand. This is the kind of book that sticks with you and not just because of the charming story but because every kid will meet their own Not Me at some point. Hopefully, like Joshua, they’ll learn to send him packing.

Pages: 34 | ISBN : 978-1779441867