I was doing a bit of digging around in the living room book bins this morning, trying to locate our love-worn copy of a particular Eric Carle book when I ran across Press Here, by Herve Tullet. And then I remembered that I have been meaning to share this book with you all for the last many months, but somehow keep getting distracted by things like books about submarines or snow. But Press Here is a brilliant little book, absolutely worthy of having its Library Monday in the sun, so to speak, and so it shall.
I suppose that the first thing to know about Press Here, is that it is very likely a complete departure from any picture book that you've read before. Indeed, Press Here reads more like an interactive instruction manual than a typical narrative tale, with each successive page appearing to change for the reader based on the following of directions on the previous page. For example, one page tells you to press the pictured yellow dot with your finger, (which, of course, being a dutiful reader, you do) and when you turn the page, you might find that the dot has turned red. Or multiplied.
Flipping through the book this way- reading the instructions and following them before turning the page- the reader is given the impression that the book itself is an active participant in the process of reading, changing with each new page, magically responding to the actions of the reader's finger. Very young readers find this amazing, and may even be slightly bewildered at first as they try to figure out just what is going on. Older readers, even if they quickly figure out just what is really happening, will be amused at the unique and clever approach Tullet takes with this book. And grown-ups? They will be massively relieved to encounter a children's book that is unpredictable, unexpected, and absolutely delightful. I have as much love for anthropomorphized animals and their need to learn to make friends, or have good manners, or find lost things as the next girl. Believe me I do. But this book is a big breath of fresh air all the same. You can bring home a copy of this one guilt free, because I promise that you don't already have anything like it.
Oh! And Ginny has a fantastic post up today with all sorts of great pictures of her kids putting Volume Ten to good use. Definitely check it out. Makes a girl feel proud, I tell you. And since there have been so many new visitors here and to the Alphabet Glue website as a result, I'm extending the January sale a bit longer. Enter "twenty" at checkout for 20% between now and next Monday.
