The Book at Eats People

Perry, J. (2009). The book that eats people. Berkeley:  Tricycle Press.

I have seen these kind of books before, the books that tell a story about the book itself. This particular book is very cute in a strange sort of way. The Book that Eats People shares the story of the book and how it has a ravenous appetite for its readers. People have tried to retain it in libraries, prison, and even a zoo. But somehow the book keeps fulfilling its desire for flesh and succumbs to such tactics as disguising itself in order to be checked out the library.

Perry's picture, though an odd theme, is hilarious.  The book is a warning to not read the book, because it eats the readers.  Perry's reverse-psychology works though, because I read the book to the end.

The illustrations by Mark Fearing are definitely unique to picture books.  Some of the artwork seems very realistic and photographic while other artwork is very exaggerated.  There are even illustrations that is similar to older graphic novels and comic books.

The Book that Eats People is an enjoyable read.  While it is a picture book, readers need to have an understanding of humor that is a little more sophisticated.  Honestly, I not sure what the lesson of Perry's book is, but he is able to get his audience to read and laugh.