I Didn't Do My Homework Because

A wildly funny picture book packed with outrageous excuses for not doing homework―from giant lizards to pencil-stealing elves!

Why didn’t the homework get done? Well . . . it’s complicated.

Maybe giant lizards invaded the neighborhood. Maybe elves hid all the pencils. Maybe carnivorous plants took over the house. In this laugh-out-loud picture book, one increasingly absurd excuse follows another as the story escalates into complete and glorious chaos.

Filled with humor, imagination, and delightfully detailed illustrations by acclaimed artist Benjamin Chaud, I Didn’t Do My Homework Because … captures the universal experience of trying to explain away unfinished homework―with increasingly creative results. Kids will love spotting the hilarious visual details hidden throughout each spread, while parents and teachers will recognize the all-too-familiar art of the elaborate excuse.

Written by internationally celebrated children’s author Davide Cali, this energetic and highly relatable story is perfect for back-to-school season, classroom read-alouds, reluctant homework-doers, and families who appreciate silly humor with a touch of exaggeration.

• HILARIOUSLY RELATABLE HUMOR: A laugh-out-loud collection of increasingly ridiculous homework excuses kids and adults alike will instantly recognize.
• DETAIL-RICH ILLUSTRATIONS: Benjamin Chaud’s energetic, highly detailed artwork rewards repeat readings with visual jokes and funny discoveries on every page.
• PERFECT FOR BACK TO SCHOOL: An entertaining choice for the start of the school year, classroom storytimes, and easing homework-season stress with humor.
• BELOVED INTERNATIONAL CREATORS: From acclaimed children’s book creators Davide Cali and Benjamin Chaud, known for imaginative storytelling and expressive artwork.
• FUN READ-ALOUD FOR HOME & CLASSROOM: Rhythmic escalation and playful humor make this a lively read-aloud kids will ask for on repeat.
• GREAT FOR RELUCTANT READERS: Fast-paced comedy, absurd situations, and engaging illustrations help draw in emerging and hesitant readers.

Perfect for:

• Kids ages 4–8
• Fans of funny picture books
• Back-to-school and classroom reading
• Teachers and librarians
• Reluctant readers and humor lovers
• Families navigating homework battles
• Readers of The Book With No Pictures, We Don’t Eat Our Classmates, and Dragons Love Tacos

Benjamin Chaud is a well-known French author and illustrator of more than 60 books, including The Bear's Song. He lives in the southeast of France.

Davide Cali is an illustrator, cartoonist, and children's book author. He has published more than 40 books, including The Bear with the Sword, I Can't Wait, and A Dad Who Measures Up. His books have been translated into more than 20 languages. He lives in Milan, Italy.