The Book That Eats People

Who can resist a book that eats people? If the yellow caution tape on the cover does not scare the reader off, the book that eats people surely will. Just think of poor Victoria Glassford - when she checked the book out of the library,

"She put the book on her nightstand, but before she could finish brushing her teeth, it jumped up, thumped her on the head, and gobbled her down, beginning with her polished pink toenails. Have you ever heard a book burp?"
"Beware - this book is ALWAYS hungry."
Great fun with hilariously gruesome illustrations. (Not for the youngest listener - this book DOES eat people.)

Response - Very fun and different. I laughed throughout. I think that the book has just the right amount of suspense. Definitely a turn pager. I liked the episode in the library and the librarians' responses. The librarian said this book is hard to keep on the shelf. It did remind my of "Little Shop of Horrors".

Curricular connection - Read aloud; teach personification and hyperbole

Normally I talk about how I devoured a book, but this is a story about a book that eats people and other books. The text serves as a warning to all readers, especially those foolish enough to pick up a book without first washing off their snack. Illustrations are wild, depicting a ferocious and devious book on the hunt for his next meal.

A small issue with the text: at one point the author declares that this book was shelved between "The Complete Guide to Saints" and "Sandwiches Through the Ages." I am curious what organization system this library uses?

Ever read "Little Shop of Horrors"? If not, you should. If you have, this is definitely a book you want to read. With humor that is dark and witty, and yet still super appropriate for children, this book is one that should be in every teachers library.

I thought that this book was going to be a rip off of Grover's "Monster at the End of This Book", but instead "The Book That Eats People" is a dark and richly illustrated story in its own right. Parents may have a greater appreciation for the wit and presentation.

The book that eats people by John Perry Illustrated by Mark Fearing is a must in every library. This quirky book has fantastic illustrations and images that captivate both young and old. Don't you dare read this book with sticky peanut butter finders because remember ..... it is THE BOOK THAT EATS PEOPLE!

Beware of this book! It's a ruthless killer, eating anything in its path. What starts its rampage? Will it ever stop? A chilling cautionary tale perfect for teaching book care, the multi-media illustrations In scrapbook style add to the sense of realism.