Book

ISBN 10: 0744544785 ISBN 13: 9780744544787

Publisher: Walker Books Ltd., 2014

Synopsis

This is the story of books told by none other than Book himself! The character begins by reminding us of his origins in oral story and clay tablets, then ponders on papyrus, parchment and paper, and on being a scroll who finally gets a spine. We see him illuminated by monks in medieval monasteries, then witness the massive changes brought about by the invention of the printing press, and the coming of paperbacks and e-books in the 20th century.

About this title

About the Author

Poet, playwright and short story writer John Agard grew up in Guyana, where his love of language grew out of listening to cricket commentaries on the radio. He has won many prizes, including the Smarties Book Prize and the Queen's Gold Medal. John is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and his work appears in an AQA anthology for GCSE English Literature. With his partner Grace Nichols, John has edited the anthologies A Caribbean Dozen, Under The Moon and Over the Sea, Pumpkin Grumpkin and From Mouth to Mouth for Walker. He lives in Lewes, East Sussex. Neil Packer is an exceptional new talent in children's books. Graduating from Colchester School of Art, he worked on advertising campaigns before illustrating One Hundred Years of Solitude, The Name of the Rose and Labyrinths for the Folio Society. For Walker he has illustrated the magnificent Odyssey by Gillian Cross. Neil lives in London, NW1.

Review

A charming and quite poetic 'autobiography' of the friendliest and most enduring manner of mankind's communication. * The Bookbag * Holds us spellbound as he takes us from stories round the campfire and cave paintings to the e-book. Simple, direct and conversational, this is a tale nevertheless told with wit, passion and ingenuity: the art that conceals art. It is supported by some equally brilliant black and white illustrations. * Books for Keeps * What a joy to find a children's book dedicated to, well, books! . . Facts, figures and poetry combine with Agard's lyrical style to create a book that should be treasured by audiences of all ages. * We Love This Book * An unusual, enjoyable and interesting read * The School Librarian * Delightful and thought provoking * Parent Talk * A delightful short work imaginatively illustrated with witty and elegant line drawings. It speaks directly to the reader, tracing its history from oral tradition to ebook, and is full of fascinating facts in short easy chapters. Great for schools or anyone fascinated to hear Book's own story. * Children's Books Ireland Recommended Read * An engrossing history. . . clever and unusual book. . . a wonderful introduction to how books - and reading - have evolved. * Parents in Touch * Informative and charming * Carousel *

Edition details

• Publisher: Walker Books Ltd.
• Publication date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0744544785
• ISBN 13: 9780744544787
• Illustrator: John Agard, Neil Packer
• Number of pages: 144