kestrell: (Default)
Kestrell ([personal profile] kestrell) wrote2011-11-22 12:23 pm
Entry tags:

Thoughts on The Book That Eats People

_The Book That Eats People_ (2009)
Written by John Perry, illustrated by Mark Fearing
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/book/book-eats-people

This is a grrreat read-aloud book, and it manages to be more than a little creepy. Ignore the suggested reading level of age three to third grade, although I still recommend sticking to the idea of having someone else risk his fingers by holding it and reading it aloud to you (hey, I need those brailling fingers!).

This book is not cute. It is carnivorous and cunning and capable of chameleon-like camouflage, so be very very careful.

This book also has a Jekyll and Hyde personality, such as when it describes itself as follows:

block quote start
WARNING! THIS IS NOT A BEDTIME STORY

Legend has it there exists a book that eats people.

This is that book!

Many readers have been unable to escape its perilous pages.
But this isn't that book.

(Yes it is!)

This is simply a story about that book.
Really. I mean, how could a book eat people?
So if you're just dying to know the history of this literary monster, all you have to do is turn the page...

(Don't do it!)
block quote end

Seriously, I dare you to read this book in the dark under the covers with only a flashlight to protect you. Also, this is the kind of book which will ensure any kid you babysit will remember you forever--perhaps not fondly, but for*ever(.

Post a comment in response:

This account has disabled anonymous posting.
If you don't have an account you can create one now.
HTML doesn't work in the subject.
More info about formatting