Tots to Teens & in beTween

Title: It's a Little Book

Author & Illustrator:
Lane Smith

Publisher:
Roaring Book Press

Publication Date:
August 30, 2011

Format: Board Book

Genre: Children's book, Picture Book
Other Books in the Series:
It's a Book (reviewed)

How I Got It: I bought it

Goodreads Summary:

Now in diapers! For the youngest of readers who still prefer to chew on a book rather than read it, It's a Little Book asks what a book is for--Is it for chewing? Is it for wearing?--and answers the question in a warm and charming way. As funny and captivating as the bestselling It's a Book, It's a Little Book promises to delight a new generation of readers.

I liked It's a Book (reviewed), but agree that even though it's a picture book, it's not really meant for kids. For everyone who didn't like (or sometimes violently hated) the ending, Smith brings you a more child appropriate version. Following a the same format as before, baby Donkey repeatedly interrupts baby Monkey, asking what exactly does one do with a book?

Courtesy of Macmillan Publishers

Courtesy of Macmillan Publishers

Courtesy of Macmillan Publishers

Courtesy of Macmillan Publishers

Quite frankly, this board book is a little gem. The baby Monkey and Donkey are cute and younger children will enjoy the Donkey's ignorance of books. I've ordered a copy for our library but also took my copy in to read with our three and four-year-olds. They loved it. The kids giggled and laughed, the love saying "No" in a really exaggerated manner, it was a lot of fun. Smith's textured illustrations are simple and sweet and children always crack up when they notice that both characters are wearing diapers.

Verdict:

It's a Little Book is a book for younger kids, and totally child appropriate. Like it's predecessor, this isn't a book that you're going to read loads of times, but it sure is fun. However, if you have a child who enjoys books, you might get a lot of mileage out of this one. It's a great way to teach your child good book behavior and is a good buy for librarians and kindergarten teachers. Also, an excellent baby shower gift for an expectant bibliophile.