I Am the Book

Hopkins, Lee Bennett. 2011. I Am the Book. Ill. by Yayo. New York: Holiday House.  ISBN 978-0823421190

(Photo obtained from holidayhouse.com)

   Plot Summary

Compiled by Lee Bennett Hopkins, I Am the Book is a topical of poetry which celebrates and pays tribute to reading.  I Am the Book includes thirteen poems from award-winning and well-known poets such as Lee Bennett Hopkins himself, Karla Kuskin, Naomi Shihab Nye and Kristine O’Connell George.

Analysis

Hopkins hit the nail on the head with this compilation of poetry.  The poems selected manage to encapsulate the joy and benefits of reading through metaphor, verse, tone,  scheme and vibrant illustrations.  Considering that each poem is written by another poet, the poetic devices shift between each page yet still present cohesively.  The poetry manages to tell the tale of being enraptured in storylines despite the actual world occurring without standstill around the reader. 

Aside from being a picture book aimed at children (both young beginners and advanced pre-teens), this book also possesses characteristics that make it enjoyable for an adult audience.  The poem Quiet Morning speaks true to many mornings spent “dog, book and me” while This Book mirrors many nights where the promise to only read an hour turns into an eye-rubbing 4am. 

I Am the Book should be found on all primary school shelves as it promotes reading by reading.  Genuis. 

Review Excerpts

BOOKLIST -- The whimsical, light-toned acrylic artwork extends the metaphors with witty, fantastical transformations of books: in one scene, a dark-blue, book cover becomes an ocean, where you can “dive in the sea of words and swim.” Fun for sharing with preschoolers, this will also spark discussion in grade-school writing and art classes.”

Awards, Mentions and/or Honors

2013 Beehive Award Nominee

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