Book! - Hardcover

George, Kristine O'Connell

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0395982871 ISBN 13: 9780395982877

Publisher: Clarion Books, 2001

Synopsis

Filled with lively text and vibrant illustrations, an adorable picture book celebrates a small child's very first discovery of the magic and wonder contained within a book. 12,500 first printing.

About this title

About the Author

Kristine O'Connell George, recipient of the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award and Promising Poet Award, gives poetry workshops for children. She lives in Agoura, California.

Maggie Smith has illustrated several successful picture books, some of which she also wrote. Ms. Smith lives in New York City.

Reviews

reS-In this celebratory title, a child receives his first book. From the magical moment he unwraps the gift until he nods off in bed, the cheerful toddler explores all the joys and the practical applications that his new treasure has to offer. Smith's deeply colored, playful acrylics depict the youngster through the day as he puts the book onto the shelf upside down, reads it to his cat, and uses it as a ticket to mom's lap for cozy storytime. Rounded, stiff paper pages ensure that this title will withstand repeated readings. The fact that it offers a pleasurable introduction to books is an added benefit.

Bina Williams, Bridgeport Public Library, CT

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

George (Little Dog Poems) and Smith (Beach Day) present an endearing homage to the pleasures of books. When the toddler narrator opens a present and discovers a volume entitled Bunnies, he and the book immediately become inseparable except for a brief moment when he observes its ingenious design: "I like the way you close./ I can put you on my shelf." The book can also be donned as a hat, loses no appeal when turned upside down and can be appreciated by a wide range of audiences from the pet cat to an infant sibling ("I'll show you to the baby"). George needs only a few words on each spread to convey the boy's unadulterated happiness ("I'll give you a hug, Book!"). Smith's pared-down, full-bleed acrylics with warm, subtly variegated backgrounds play up the hero's tiny but expressive eyes as well as the ongoing presence of the cat and a checkered stuffed elephant. Smith makes it clear that, while Book represents an exciting new chapter in the boy's life, his gift also fits neatly into his cozy world. Ages 2-4.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Ages 2-4. The relationship between a boy and his new picture book takes center stage as the youngster delights in the versatility of his gift. He can read the book himself, read it to his cat, or even wear it like a hat! Alive with color, the uncluttered, double-page spreads focus on the child and his dearest possessions--his Siamese cat, his toy elephant, and, of course, his book. Plaids, polka dots, swirls, and flowers heighten visual interest as they decorate the simply drawn clothes and furnishings in the pictures. Touches of humor also brighten the acrylic artwork, adding charming sweetness to the straightforward yet expressive text: "I'll give you a hug, Book!" A vibrant celebration to welcome toddlers to the world of reading. Ellen Mandel
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0395982871
• ISBN 13: 9780395982877
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Smith Maggie
• Number of pages: 31