Here is a Book by Elisha Cooper

I could almost shout-out a book birthday to today's read, but it's a smidgen too early. Three more days. That's not really many, is it?

Anyway, today's read comes from a prize winning author/illustrator and, I'm assuming, will center around books. The amazement of books? Imagination? Information? I have no clue. But I'm ready to find out. 

So let's dive in and see what this book has to say about books.

HERE IS A BOOK

by Elisha Cooper

Abrams Books for Young Readers

 Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING APRIL 22nd!!!

A love letter to books, showing how many elements and people contribute to making something beautiful, from Caldecott honoree Elisha Cooper

In this poetic and beautifully illustrated ode to creativity and the process of making books, Caldecott honoree Elisha Cooper takes readers on a journey showing how words and art move from one person to another.

From writer to reader, and everyone who contributes in Here is a book, made with love.

An artist’s studio overflows with sketches, drafts, a wastebasket, and wonder.
A publisher’s office hums with computers, layouts, coffee, and teamwork.
A printer makes a layout into a book using presses, ink, paper, and time.
And that book travels to a school, to a library, to a student, to a home.

 GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

Every page celebrates the creation of a book, from ideas all the way to a reader's hands.

The author of this book takes readers on the magical journey surrounding the creation of a book. It begins with the first ideas and sparks of inspiration as a woman gathers thoughts and impressions from various moments of her life, some picturesque and others more playful. Then, she begins to sketch...and pauses...and works again. The flow is gentle but draws in as her manuscript and artwork take form. But it doesn't end there. The created work heads through computers, offices, printing...all the way to the shelves, where curious readers look for their next reads.

While the text carries an almost lyrical style to give a touch of artistic flair, the illustrations draw in with little details here and there. These also carry an imaginative touch as the characters remain faceless...but this is about them. Rather, this keeps the book process front and center. 

This ode to book creation is not only well done but is sure to inspire readers to dream of creating one themselves. It not only makes a lovely read-aloud, but also would fit nicely to a theme surrounding books and story creation. For classrooms and homeschoolers, this also has the potential of opening the door to a story project. 

But of course, it makes a lovely read simply on its own.

And here he is...

Elisha Cooper is a Caldecott Honor recipient for his title Big Cat, Little Cat and his book River won the 2020 Robin Smith Picture book Prize. Elisha has also received a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book of the Year awarded for his book Dance!.