The Book That Eats People by John Perry, Illustrated by Mark Fearing
My boys LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. The Book That Eats People by John Perry and illustrated by Mark Fearing is the book that they have been picking out of my huge stack of picture books all week. We read it at least three times straight through the first time I brought it home and then at least twice a day since then. What’s hilarious though is that I might have gotten a bit too dramatic in the reading and I pretended to snap the book in my boys fingers. They laughed and giggled at the time but when we were reading it – again - my four-year-old told me that he wanted to return it to the library. When I asked why, he said it was too scary. But that hasn’t stopped him from yelling across the room when my two-year-old pulls it out, “Wait! I want to see!”
In fact, I’ve just handed the book to my husband who’s looking at it for the first time. He’s giggling. He’s making comments. He’s engrossed. He’s just told me, “I like this one.” Fun for kids, fun for adults. The design is awesome. Fantastic text. Can’t really get much better than this.
I’m thinking that this book is worth adding into our collection. But is it safe? The book does eat people. If it even catches a whiff of peanut butter and jelly on your fingers then you are in BIG trouble. You don’t have a chance. And do not let your little ones read this book – especially when it’s hungry. (You should always assume that it’s hungry.) You would be very lucky indeed if you come away from the reading of this book unscathed.
So if I disappear it’s pretty much safe to assume that I have become a victim and will never be heard from again. Here’s wishing me luck . . . .
Links of interest: Mark Fearing website, The Book That Eats People is a fiction picture book Cybils nomination for which I’m a panelist.
Genre: Fiction Picture Book, approx ages 4-8.
Publisher: Tricycle Press. August 11, 2009
Hardcover, 38 pages. ISBN 1582462682
The Book That Eats People is available from your favorite independent bookstore, Powell’s, and Amazon.
Hey you! Yes. You! I've noticed that you've stopped by to visit a few times! But I don't know who you are. Why don't you take a moment and introduce yourself. Don't be scared. I try not to bite. I know you're a lurker but I'd love to hear your thoughts about what's been bringing you here. And if you haven't done so already, don't forget to never miss a post by subscribing to my feed or receiving updates by email. Thanks for visiting!
Category: Book Reviews, Fiction, Picture & Board Books
Tags: A-D Title, Cybils finalist, Cybils picture book nomination, Fiction, M-P Author, published 2009
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This is hilarious! I think I’d probably do exactly the same thing and Jace would end up never wanting to touch the book again. Just ask about the vacuum sometime. Won’t go near it! But really cute book, I’ll give it a try.
on November 12th, 2009 at 9:21 pmMy kids are a little old for picture books but I am checking this book out from the library right now anyway. Thanks for sharing it.
on November 12th, 2009 at 9:43 pmHilarious! Off to put it on hold… (I love the library website…)
on November 12th, 2009 at 9:58 pmI nominated this book! It’s SO awesome. I wish more people had love for it.
on November 12th, 2009 at 10:04 pmSounds like quite a fun book. Need to see if my library has it.
on November 13th, 2009 at 1:49 amWhen I saw the cover of this one I smiled. It just looks and sounds so cute. PLUS, it’s an added benefit when it’s fun for the parent to read too. Some books my daughter likes but I don’t, as they aren’t fun for ME to read to her.
on November 13th, 2009 at 10:19 amGreat review! I have no little boys or girls around to read this with – but someday I may!
on November 13th, 2009 at 1:52 pmWent and got this tonight to give two special little friends for birthdays in coming weeks; thanks for the review, I have smiled all afternoon!
on November 13th, 2009 at 9:36 pmHave you ever read that book Theres a monster at the end of this book? Its a Sesame Street book with Grover. He’s scared because he know theres a monster at the end of the book but it turns out to be him (lovable Grover) I loved that book as a kid and this book reminded me of it.
on November 13th, 2009 at 10:15 pmHaha! That’s such a great, and fun review! Now even I am tempted to take a look at it – although, I am a little scared of getting eaten!
on November 14th, 2009 at 4:26 pmlol This sounds like fun!
on November 14th, 2009 at 8:47 pm[...] Book That Eats People, The by John Perry [MY REVIEW] [...]
on November 16th, 2009 at 2:50 amOh how cute! I just love the illustrations and the collage like backgrounds too.
on November 17th, 2009 at 6:11 pmThis looks so good – I think I am the one drooling. Can’t wait to read it.
on November 17th, 2009 at 10:18 pmWhat fun! I’ll be looking for a copy of this one myself.
on November 18th, 2009 at 1:20 pmI looked for this book after your boys showed it to me. Funny!
on November 25th, 2009 at 2:52 pm