Awarding-winning author/illustrator Mordicai Gerstein has created a magical and highly-imaginative picture book with this delightfully bright and whimsical story.
Once, in a book by Roaring Brook Press, there lived a family--a mum, a dad, a girl and boy, and some pets.
When the book was closed, the family slept but when it was opened, they would wake to start their day.
This particular day, the young girl asks a question she's been pondering. She knows the family lives inside a book (they should be so lucky) but what is THEIR story? Do they have a story?
The dad has a story--he's a circus clown. The mum has one, too-she's a fearless firefighter. And the brother is going to be an astronaut. But what about the girl?
Determined to find her story, she sets off through the pages of the book. On the way, she meets a large goose who tells her she'd better find her story soon, as she didn't want her readers to close the book. Confused, she asks the goose what 'readers' are.
'Look up,' says the goose. And that's when the little girls sees us, looking down at her from above. Startled, she runs off in search of her story, through myriad classic tales and fairytales of yore, ignoring the pleas to try on a glass slipper, sample some porridge (not too hot, not too cold) or fall down a rabbit hole.
It's not until she ends up in space with her astronaut brother that she finally finds a way to write her own story.
And the ending will delight you.
This is a special book. Highly original and beautifully-illustrated with stacks of drama and a brilliant plotline. Engaging, rewarding, delightful.
Title: A Book
Author/Illustrator: Mordicai Gerstein
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press, $33.95 RRP
Publication Date: 14 April 2009
Format: Hard cover with dust jacket
ISBN: 9781596432512
For ages: 4 - 10
Type: Picture Book
