FICTION

Have You Seen This Book?

by Angela DiTerlizzi (text) & illus. by Tom Booth
Philomel. Aug. 2021. 32p. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780593116845.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 3–A bespectacled African American boy searches for his beloved book, The Book of Yore. As he continuously asks the reader about the book’s whereabouts, they will spy it within every spread. There are three components to this book: the boy’s search, the plot of his book, and things added to the book (drawings, new pages to compensate for missing ones) or the boy (stickers). Booth’s illustrations and the book-in-a-book format requires readers to suspend disbelief and it also begs some questions, such as “Why is the book floating there?” and “Why doesn’t the boy notice it?” The digital illustrations convey the action well; The Book of Yore is in color while the surroundings are in white and blue. The fervor of search, along with the alternate story, creates enough excitement for reluctant readers.
VERDICT A solid purchase, and perhaps a chance to acquaint readers with meta-storytelling.
Reviewed by Jessica Ko, Los Angeles P.L , Jul 01, 2021

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Not If You Break Up with Me First
by Miller, G.F
BOOKS

Any Way You Look
by Siddiqui, Maleeha
BOOKS

Picture a Girl
by Manzer, Jenny
BOOKS

Olive Blackwood Takes Action!
by Thomas, Sonja
BOOKS

Breaking into Sunlight
by Cochran, John
BOOKS

Winnie Nash Is Not Your Sunshine
by Melleby, Nicole
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?