It's a Book

It's a Book, by Lane Smith. Roaring Brook Press, 2010.

This humorous picture book is just as appropriate for adults as for children and the three characters, monkey, mouse and donkey are appealing to readers of all ages. Monkey is reading a book, an activity that confounds the donkey, a true child of the digital age. The donkey is curious about this new contraption, asking if it tweets, can be used for blogging or needs to be plugged in. Throughout this conversation the monkey patiently answers each question, though the donkey never quite seems to get it.

Readers of all ages will be able to identify with this story as we enter an ever more technologically advanced world. The attention that is placed on the actual book itself, and therefore the physical book that is being read by the reader, firmly places this book in the metafiction category. Adults sharing this book with children should note that the donkey is referred to as “jackass” throughout the story, though “donkey” can easily be substituted for younger readers during read aloud.