A laugh-out-loud father-daughter picture book for ages 2-6, filled with silly surprises, heartwarming moments, and a twist ending that will have families shouting, "That's not a cupcake!"
When a little girl says, "Jinx! You owe me a cupcake!" she's expecting something sweet. But Dad has other ideas… and none of them involve frosting.
Instead, he serves up a watch, a goldfish, and even a rhinoceros—each sillier than the last. With every page turn, kids will giggle, point, and gleefully join in on the refrain: "That's not a cupcake!"
Written by Kevin Russell and illustrated by his daughter Ryan Russell, this delightful picture book was inspired by a real-life breakfast table moment that became a treasured family joke. Now, it's been brought to life through Ryan's vibrant, whimsical watercolor illustrations, each lovingly hand-painted to capture the humor and heart of the story.
Why kids (and parents) will love it:
🧁 Interactive fun - Young readers can shout the repeating phrase on every page
😂 Laugh-out-loud moments - From watches to rhinos, the surprises never stop
🎨 Whimsical watercolor art - Created by a talented teen artist
💙 Family connection - Celebrates the joy of reading and laughing together
Perfect for:
Bedtime stories that end with big smiles
Classroom read-alouds and library story hours
Building early literacy skills through repetition and engagement
Parents, grandparents, and caregivers looking for funny books for kids ages 2-6
With its playful storytelling, joyful illustrations, and heartfelt origins, That's Not a Cupcake! is more than just a book—it's a shared moment of connection, imagination, and pure delight.
Whether you're a parent looking to add some laughter to bedtime, a grandparent searching for the perfect gift, or a teacher wanting to spark joy in the classroom, this book is a sweet (and silly) treat you'll reach for again and again.
Kevin Russell is a writer, transformation guide, and proud girl dad who believes in the power of imagination, laughter, and shared stories. That's Not a Cupcake! is his debut children's book, inspired by a real-life breakfast moment with his daughter. When he's not writing or helping people heal through subconscious transformation and quantum consciousness work, you'll find him enjoying family adventures, dad jokes, and spontaneous cupcake quests.
