PLEASE DONT INTERRUPT. Murphy, Joanne Brisson. Illustrated by Maureen Paxton. Windsor. Black Moss Press, c1986. unpaged, paper, $5.95, ISBN 0-88753-143-1. Pre-School-Grade 1 Reviewed by Maureen Pammett Volume 15 Number 3 1987 May A simple picture book of fourteen pages, this realistic tale describes a situation with which most children will empathize. A four-year-old is continually being told "Please don't interrupt," In frustration, she cries "Why won't anyone ever listen to me!!!!!!" Finally a situation develops in which it is crucial that Mommy listen, but still she says. "Not now, Katy I'm busy so. . . please don't interrupt"-"!!!! be there in a minute." Then Mommy learns her lesson as she acknowledges. "Sorry I was wrong. . . sometimes you just HAVE TO INTERRUPT." Told in rhyme with brightly coloured illustrations that complement the text, this will be enjoyed by young children when read aloud to them. A creative teacher or parent could use this in various ways to develop language skills: "Does your mother or father listen to you? Do you try to tell them only important things when you interrupt? What funny things have happened to you because someone didn't listen? Do you always listen? Why?" In addition, this story could be part of a unit on humour, especially making use of the illustration of the catastrophe on page twelve. As a vehicle for role-playing, it could also be effective. Worthwhile for teacher or parent. Maureen Pammett, Bridgenorth, Ont.