Beth Anderson, Children's Writer

Title: Book
Written by: David Miles
Illustrated by: Natalie Hoopes
Familius, LLC, 2015
Suitable for ages: 4-8
Themes/topics: books, reading

Opening:
This is a book.
Black words. On white paper.
No buttons.
No bonus levels.
Not a single sound, in fact.
It’s the most quiet, ordinary thing that could be, until you learn to look closer,

Brief synopsis: (from worldcat.org) “In a world dazzled by the latest gadgets and mesmerized by Internet videos, the humble book seems like the most ordinary thing that could be. And perhaps it is–until you learn to look closer … and closer … and closer … and you’re suddenly in a world that only you can imagine.”–

Resources and Activities:
The illustrations offer writing opportunities:

• Use some of the scattered words and text pieces in the illustrations to inspire a story.
• Choose several characters and/or a setting from the illustrations to use in a story.

Explore the metaphor of a book as a vehicle.
Compare and contrast books with other media.

Why I like this book: The sparse, engaging text reminds us of the power and possibilities of a book – to transport, inspire, comfort, and more. And also how something so simple, so basic can retain its magic when we have so many other means of entertainment. It really is only the tip of the iceberg of the wonder of books. The illustrations are creative and inviting.

Visit author Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Books for a plethora of picture books listed by title and topic/theme, each with teacher/parent resources and activities.