Book! (Book)

George, K. (2001). Book!. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN: 0-395-98287-1

Interest Level: Ages 4 and under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Books, Rhyming Stories,

Plot: A little boy wonders what gift he has gotten that is flat and square.  A book!  He lists all the things he likes to do with his book such as reading by himself, reading to others, using it as a hat, and taking it for a wagon ride.  The ending scenes show the little boy curled up in his mother's lap reading the book at bedtime.  A cute little Siamese cat and stuffed stripped elephant doll follow the boy in his activities with the book.

Personal Thoughts: A cute and simple book.  The illustrations are very lovely and humorous.  The cat and the doll follow and join the the boy in his acitvities such as reading upside down.  The things the boy lists to do with his book are things any child might enjoy, such as reading in a secret hiding place under the table.  The pages in the book are made with a more durable poster board like paper perfect for younger children's handling.  The background illustrations are a mix of colors going from an oranges to reds to greens, blues, and purples.  This book would go well with a bedtime or books/library storytime theme.

Awards/Recognition:
New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award
Parent's Guide to Children's Media Award
CCBC Choices 2002
Beginning with Books 2001 Best Books for Babies

Other Books by the Author: One Mitten (2004); Up! (2005);
Author's Website: Kristine O'Connell George's Children's Poetry Corner