Do Not Open This Book!

“Do Not Open This Book!” the cover exclaims in large, red letters. Michaela Muntean has written about the process of writing a book in this humorous story that is written not only with the reader in mind, but actually to the reader. The main character is a pig who is trying to write a book. However, upon opening the book, the reader disturbs the pig and makes it almost impossible for him to complete his task. Things like staring at him interfere with his ability to think. And turning the book pages disturbs the order of the words, changing a ferocious storm into a big, ferocious mouse, which comes after the pig. Throughout the book, the pig keeps telling the reader to go away, but still creates interest by writing a story in which the reader is the main character.

Michaela Muntean and Pascal Lemaitre combine to make a witty, interesting book that talks about the writing process. The illustrations show boxes of verbs, objects and animals and even a box of “dangerous words”. All the way through the book, the pig uses pieces of paper to “write” the story. When the reader turns the page, the words get moved around by the wind, and the result is funny while making the point that you have to be careful with words. When the pig finally writes his story, he leaves blanks for the name of the main character so that readers can put their own name in the story. All in all, the book is well-written and funny and a great read for anyone who is interested in becoming an author.

I would recommend this book for students in grades 2-5.

Keywords associated with this book: authorship, pig

Side By Side

I have always envied artists and writers. In Side by Side: Five Favorite Picture-Book Teams Go to Work, envying these amazing talents is nothing to getting to know the people behind the talent. Five well-known teams are featured—Arthur Yorinks and Richard Egielski; Alice and Martin Provensen; Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith, and Molly Leach; Julius Lester and Jerry Pinkney; and Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen. Each collaborative team discusses their method of collaboration as well as some behind-the-scenes stories of their work together. Some of these teams were successful because their team blended seamlessly. Although not all collaborations last forever, both the collaborators and we, the readers benefit greatly from talents working together.

Did you know that Arthur Yorinks and Richard Egielski were “introduced” by Maurice Sendak? How about that Jon Scieszka “disliked the ‘fuzzy-bunny pastel picture-book world’ of the children’s books he usually saw in stores? The style and language of Side By Side makes it a fascinating read for children and adults alike. I enjoyed the sketches of “dummies” that the illustrators use when they begin a new project. It was also interesting to read how the appearance of characters developed throughout the collaboration process. Anyone who dreams of becoming a children’s author or illustrator, or even those who just love books will enjoy reading the stories behind a few of children’s literature’s greatest teams.

I would recommend this book for students in grades 5 and up and to any adult who wants to learn more about the creation of children’s literature.

Keywords associated with this book: author, illustrator, collaboration, Arthur Yorinks, Richard Egielski, Alice Provensen, Martin Provensen, Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith, Molly Leach, Julius Lester, Jerry Pinkney, Joanna Cole, Bruce Degen.