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7th out of 43 books
—
18 voters
A Book
A CHILD IN SEARCH OF HER STORY Caldecott medalist Mordicai Gerstein looks at books from a whole new angle.
Once upon a time there was a family who lived in a book. All but the youngest had stories they belonged to--fighting fires, exploring space, entertaining in the circus--but she didn't have one yet. Walking through all the possibilities of story types Mordicai Gerstein...more
Once upon a time there was a family who lived in a book. All but the youngest had stories they belonged to--fighting fires, exploring space, entertaining in the circus--but she didn't have one yet. Walking through all the possibilities of story types Mordicai Gerstein...more
Hardcover, 48 pages
Published
April 14th 2009
by Roaring Brook Press
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Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
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393)
Sep 10, 2009
Abigail
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Young Bibliophiles
Recommended to Abigail by:
Lisa Vegan
Shelves:
picture-books
Review Temporarily Removed.
I like the unique perspective in this book quite a lot. Literally. The illustrations are done from an angled overhead view that helps the characters pop off the page with a shadow behind them. The idea behind the plot is also very creative, exploring different types of stories as well as presenting a metaphor for career choices. I really enjoyed this but had some problems falling in love with the book. While I like the illustrations, I'm not sure that the quality of the page design is quite as g...more
Apr 04, 2013
Barbara
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Shelves:
animals,
fairy-tales,
families,
fantasy,
folk-tales,
friendship,
picture-book,
read-aloud,
science-fiction,
writing
Breaking the boundary between author/illustrator and reader, this cleverly-written picture book can be summed up as a story about a character in search of a story. Starting with her father, each of the characters heads off to star in their own stories. She wanders into various types of stories, including fair tales with familiar characters such as the three bears from "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," the wolf from "Little Red Riding-Hood," and from there she heads into mysteries with their fami...more
Dec 05, 2012
Ed
added it
Gerstein, Mordicai. (2009). A Book. New Milford, Connecticut: Roaring Brook. 48 pp. ISBN 978-1-59643-251-2 (Hardcover); $16.95.
In a hilarious spoof on literary genres, a young girl attempts to visualize her place in the world. Just how does one communicate the essential details of life to others? Gerstein’s book serves as an excellent introduction to various types of literature. As well as being laugh out loud funny, Gerstein manages to provide students with much to ponder germane to potential c...more
In a hilarious spoof on literary genres, a young girl attempts to visualize her place in the world. Just how does one communicate the essential details of life to others? Gerstein’s book serves as an excellent introduction to various types of literature. As well as being laugh out loud funny, Gerstein manages to provide students with much to ponder germane to potential c...more
Once upon a time there was a family that lived in a book. Everyone in the family, including the cat and the dog and the fish, knew exactly what their story was and in the morning they each went their way. The mother went off to fight fires and the father rode off on his unicycle to be a clown, but their daughter didn’t know what her story was, so she went to the next page to find it. On her search she encountered all sorts of characters and genres, from fairytale characters to pirates, from hist...more
Want to read a book that titled “A Book?” I mean, who wouldn’t? Here is a picture book that breaks the fourth wall. It is clever, artistic, and fun.
Gerstein gets creative with this delightful book. It is the story of a girl who wishes to know her place in the current story. Everyone else in her family knows what people are reading about them, but where does she fit in?
This is an intelligent picture book in which readers are actually looking down on the pages as if they are watching a play with a...more
Gerstein gets creative with this delightful book. It is the story of a girl who wishes to know her place in the current story. Everyone else in her family knows what people are reading about them, but where does she fit in?
This is an intelligent picture book in which readers are actually looking down on the pages as if they are watching a play with a...more
Type: Picture story book (fantasy)
Audience: grades 2-4
Metafiction is very popular lately. This could be because of the success of David Macaulay's postmodern picture books. Or perhaps it's because all our interactions are becoming meta-interactions and therefore we can easily relate. Think: reality television shows where people know their "lives" are being watched. (Of course the lives are changed because they are being watched and therefore it can't truly be a person's life but is instead a dra...more
Audience: grades 2-4
Metafiction is very popular lately. This could be because of the success of David Macaulay's postmodern picture books. Or perhaps it's because all our interactions are becoming meta-interactions and therefore we can easily relate. Think: reality television shows where people know their "lives" are being watched. (Of course the lives are changed because they are being watched and therefore it can't truly be a person's life but is instead a dra...more
I think Mordicai Gerstein’s idea of writing a book, about a book is clever, but somehow I struggled to understand what his intentions were. Was he hoping that the readers would be inspired to write a story of their own, or perhaps maybe he thought the reader would appreciate the little girl’s journey as she searched for her own story? I wasn’t inspired, and I finished the story not liking the little girl.
This interactive tale starts with a black page that explains, “when the book was closed it...more
This interactive tale starts with a black page that explains, “when the book was closed it...more
Gerstein did an excellent job of submerging the reader into different literary worlds. As the audience travels between pages, Gerstein makes sure the readers understand that it is "A Book" that is being read. This is a wonderful tale of self-discovery and the subtle message that stories are important. This book will reach not only those that read little, but also those that have read a great deal. I can appreciate Gerstein's attempt to literally bring the audience into the book. Read "A Book" an...more
Aug 12, 2009
Lisa Vegan
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
encouraging children to write, especially for children familiar with classic children’s stories
(This is my review number 750 for Goodreads.)
This book really tickled my funny bone, and it’s yet another creative picture book; I’ve read so many clever picture books lately.
In this one, a young girl knows she’s in a book but doesn’t know what the book’s/her story is. She goes searching for her story, through many different genres of children’s (some for adults too) books, and the end result is very satisfying.
I loved all the illustrations. Particularly funny (and accurate) were the pictures wi...more
This book really tickled my funny bone, and it’s yet another creative picture book; I’ve read so many clever picture books lately.
In this one, a young girl knows she’s in a book but doesn’t know what the book’s/her story is. She goes searching for her story, through many different genres of children’s (some for adults too) books, and the end result is very satisfying.
I loved all the illustrations. Particularly funny (and accurate) were the pictures wi...more
How did I miss this one? Anyway, it's perfect for me. The family is in a book and each member has their own story, including the dog, cat and the fish. The girl isn't sure of her story though, and spends most of the book looking for it. She tries fairy tales, where she's invited to try on a glass slipper, kiss a frog, and race the wolf to grandma's house. A detective helps her seek out a mystery, she visits her brother, an astronaut, in science fiction, and she decides historical fiction is simp...more
Not for the littlest ones, as it's quite busy and complex. Best shared with a family; a reader can get more details out of it each time as s/he grows up and re-reads it. A bit like The Pagemaster as it's meant to encourage children to read more widely, and, if they can't find stories they like well enough, to write. I thought it was cute, though if we had 1/2 stars I'd give it 3.5.
Here's a challenge for an avid reader - Find all the books, stories to which this refers. How many can you come up...more
Here's a challenge for an avid reader - Find all the books, stories to which this refers. How many can you come up...more
Clever book!! Like Sarah said, "This book is very meta."
"When the book was closed, it was night in the book, and the family slept." If you've ever thought characters come to life by being read, this is a picture book for you! The whole book is illustrated as if the reader is peering down at dolls in a dollhouse, and the characters even break the fourth wall and look up to address you! The little girl is in search of her story, and journeys through several genres to find it.
Would be interesting...more
"When the book was closed, it was night in the book, and the family slept." If you've ever thought characters come to life by being read, this is a picture book for you! The whole book is illustrated as if the reader is peering down at dolls in a dollhouse, and the characters even break the fourth wall and look up to address you! The little girl is in search of her story, and journeys through several genres to find it.
Would be interesting...more
•Brief summary
This book is about a child in search of her story. She doesn't know what her story is and doesn't know where to start. After trying everyone else story she comes up with an great idea. She is going to write her own story, and become a author
•Audience
Kindergarten or 1st
•Appeal
It has a bunch going one like a clown, firefighters, astronaut etc. children will love the random craziness of this book. It s pretty funny also.
•Implementation
I would use this book to prompt a writing activit...more
This book is about a child in search of her story. She doesn't know what her story is and doesn't know where to start. After trying everyone else story she comes up with an great idea. She is going to write her own story, and become a author
•Audience
Kindergarten or 1st
•Appeal
It has a bunch going one like a clown, firefighters, astronaut etc. children will love the random craziness of this book. It s pretty funny also.
•Implementation
I would use this book to prompt a writing activit...more
This picturebooks is vastly different from any other book I have read before. It contains many different perspectives from the characters, and they realize they are in the book and that a reader is watching and reading their story. The girl is looking for her story, and finds out that she is not quite sure what her story is. I think this book would be great for teaching multiple perspectives, settings, and characters. It wouldn't necessarily be a good read-aloud, but you could select a portion t...more
This was one of the most interesting picture books because of its perspective. The whole story is written and illustrated assuming that the characters know that they realize they are part of a book being read. My son seemed confused when the goose said "Look up" to show the girl the readers looking down on her, but it is kind of a stretch for a preschooler I suppose. The art is fascinating and I think very well done. It would be even better for older children, grade schoolers especially who do s...more
" One morning the girl asked about something that had been troubling her. 'I know we live in a book, but what is our story?' "
This picture book puts the whole idea of picture books and storytelling on its head: first by having the characters on the pages looking up at the reader, second by taking the protagonist on a journey to define her story through exploring different genres.
This picture book might be interesting to inquisitive kids who are bored with traditional forms. It might also be goo...more
This picture book puts the whole idea of picture books and storytelling on its head: first by having the characters on the pages looking up at the reader, second by taking the protagonist on a journey to define her story through exploring different genres.
This picture book might be interesting to inquisitive kids who are bored with traditional forms. It might also be goo...more
I thought this book was really fun.
A girl in a story who doesn't know what her story is!
I love how her family lives out their stories and she gets to try to find her own and wander through different genres....the art is pretty fun too; a little squished but that's the look!
I also love how the family goes to sleep when the book is closed; as a kid I would have left it all the way open so they could have adventures all the time!
Haiku Review:
In this book, a girl
tries to find a story that
she'll like...more
A girl in a story who doesn't know what her story is!
I love how her family lives out their stories and she gets to try to find her own and wander through different genres....the art is pretty fun too; a little squished but that's the look!
I also love how the family goes to sleep when the book is closed; as a kid I would have left it all the way open so they could have adventures all the time!
Haiku Review:
In this book, a girl
tries to find a story that
she'll like...more
I've been trying to wean myself from buying picture books - limiting myself only to the very best ones. It's like any addiction - I have good days and bad days. Today was a good day. I had narrowed my pile of 20 books down to 3 and so it's a testament to this book that it made the cut. I knew as soon as we finished reading this that it was a must have for our permanent collection.
Booklist put it best when they dubbed this 'metafiction for the picture-book set'. When you open this book you meet...more
Booklist put it best when they dubbed this 'metafiction for the picture-book set'. When you open this book you meet...more
Another meta-book that's probably sophisticated enough for 5th graders (who rarely read picture books) so I fear it may never be read.
This one has a little girl who wonders what her story will be about. She travels through different genres, dismissing them all as not right for her. The best part is probably the way the book is angled so you really feel like you're looking down at the characters and they're looking up at you. At one point the girl even looks up and comments on your crazy reader...more
This one has a little girl who wonders what her story will be about. She travels through different genres, dismissing them all as not right for her. The best part is probably the way the book is angled so you really feel like you're looking down at the characters and they're looking up at you. At one point the girl even looks up and comments on your crazy reader...more
This book is full of characters! But, one of the main characters doesn't know what her story is. She sets out to uncover it and along the way meets surprising and well-known characters who help her to firmly realize what her story is NOT.
From the back flap:
"discover a thoroughly original, thoroughly captivating picture book. Gerstein employs brilliantly unconventional perspective and design to bring to life a little girl's quest to find her story..."
From the back flap:
"discover a thoroughly original, thoroughly captivating picture book. Gerstein employs brilliantly unconventional perspective and design to bring to life a little girl's quest to find her story..."
6-29-12
One of about 25 books that I bought last year, put on a shelf, and completely forgot about. I also realized I've RE-PURCHASED 6 of the books. YIKES! At least I will start reading them now.
Interesting perspective for this book. I do enjoy books about books...and writing...and illustrating...and all things related to the author's craft. The girl searches for her story and finds several familiar stories along the way.
One of about 25 books that I bought last year, put on a shelf, and completely forgot about. I also realized I've RE-PURCHASED 6 of the books. YIKES! At least I will start reading them now.
Interesting perspective for this book. I do enjoy books about books...and writing...and illustrating...and all things related to the author's craft. The girl searches for her story and finds several familiar stories along the way.
I especially like the pages featuring the girl and the goose (...and the admonisment to be careful of what she says, since the reader can read everything that is said...). The black on black illustrations at the beginning and end encourage the reader to suspend disbelief and consider the characters "asleep" until a reader opens the book. Trudging across double-page spreads depicting various genres was a clever idea -- as was the entire book!
This book is about a girl who has no story. So, she travels through other stories until she realizes she needs to write her own. The illustrations make the story happen, drawing the reader in, particularly when a goose tells the girl that the reader can read everything she says. This would be a good picture book to introduce a writing prompt or for an introduction to genres since several are mentioned.
This playful book is about a family that lives inside a book. Of all the characters in the book, only the little girl is missing a story. Fairy tale characters, pirates and detectives show up as she searches for her story.
Your Turn to Write: Write what you think happens to your favorite characters after the book is closed. Do they go to sleep? Do they have a secret adventure?
Your Turn to Write: Write what you think happens to your favorite characters after the book is closed. Do they go to sleep? Do they have a secret adventure?
I wasn't sure at first whether I would like this book, but by the end I really loved it! It is so funny and fantastical and unusual--I love the beginning, "There was a father and a mother, a girl and a boy, and some pets. When the book was closed it was night in the book and the family slept. When the book was open, it was morning and the family woke up." Then, they begin their day--all the characters have something to do, except the little girl. So she sets out to find HER story. Along the way,...more
It reminds me of Elizabeth Levy's "Something Queer" books in which the characters' thoughts and quotes were expressed with thought bubbles rather than text. The main character is taken through various genres as she searches for her own story. Kind of existential but still accessible to kids. She ends by choosing to be the author of her own story, without knowing what the story will be.
This story is about a little girl who is the only character in the book who does not know what her story is. She goes on a search to find the story unique to her. She meets many characters who naturally show her different book genres.
This book is fantastic! I laughed out loud at the words and I thoroughly enjoyed the illustrations. I love every little detail in this book.
This book is fantastic! I laughed out loud at the words and I thoroughly enjoyed the illustrations. I love every little detail in this book.
You’ve heard of actors “breaking the fourth wall” when they address the audience directly. Well, the characters in A Book break through the ceiling! Caldecott Medalist Mordicai Gerstein (The Man Who Walked Between the Towers) lifts the roof off of his characters’ house in this inventive picture book.
Full review:
http://www.twentybyjenny.com/47Books/...
Full review:
http://www.twentybyjenny.com/47Books/...
This book did not speak well to its audience. The language was stilted and inappropriate to a child's skill level (talking about publishers in a picture book is a bit much). The art was okay, but everything was a gimmick. Too many stories were referenced that small children may not understand. Plus, there's a creepy clown element.
Mordicai Gerstein is the author and illustrator of The Man Who Walked Between the Towers, winner of the Caldecott Medal, and has had four books named New York Times Best Illustrated Books of the Year. Gerstein was born in Los Angeles in 1935. He remembers being inspired as a child by images of fine art, which his mother cut out of Life magazine, and by children’s books from the library: “I looked...more
More about Mordicai Gerstein...
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Sep 10, 2009 07:05pm
Sep 10, 2009 07:10pm