1-4. Two weeks to uni and still a pile of reading to do! Locking myself in the room for the week and I can’t leave until it is done!!!

5. As if I didn’t have enough reading to do…I am helping judge the Waterstones Children’s Prize! 49 more books to read…how much sleep do I need really…

Maybe squeeze a few craft things in too if the reading goes well

Author/Illustrator: Lane Smith

Genre: Children’s Picture Flat

First Published: 2011

Lane Smith’s beautifully simple children’s book captivates both the young and old, as well as reminding us of the joys of reading a printed book.

 ‘It’s a Book’ was shortlisted for the Waterstone’s Children’s Prize this year, and I was lucky enough to receive a copy to review. I really enjoyed reading ‘It’s a Book,’ which surprised me as I don’t usually read picture flats because I haven’t got children. However, since reading this one I have been encouraged to read the others that have been shortlisted for the Waterstone’s Children’s Prize as I was greatly surprised by how much they differed from my memories of childhood books.

Smith’s unique book tells the conversation between a monkey and a donkey about books. While the monkey appreciates the beauty of books, the donkey is much more distracted by the technology around him such as computers and video games. The donkey cannot comprehend the pleasure of reading a book that cannot tweet, text or TOOT! However, once he gives it a go, he thoroughly enjoys his reading experience.

I really loved the way in which ‘It’s a Book’ deals with the increasing popularity of technology and gadgets, (which, after volunteering with children as young as five, I know are becoming ever more popular Christmas presents!) So this book shows how up to date it is with the next generation of readers. I feel that the story does a great job of highlighting the importance of the continuation of the book because, (even though technical alternatives are available) we all know that nothing can replace an actual book, particularly children’s picture books like this one.

I am a great believer in the importance of encouraging children to read and I think that this book, with its somewhat naughty punch line, helps children from a very young age also become aware of the importance of reading. Not only is the story incredibly entertaining, but the artwork is wonderfully unique and captivating. I think that the characters are cute and lovable, which makes the book even more of a pleasure to read.

Favourite quote: “Do you blog with it?”

“No, it’s a book.”

Rating: 10/10

If you enjoyed this please read my article on the London Olympics: http://bit.ly/IaTK1X

This week on VL brings poetry, penitence, publishers and prize winners, as well as some controversy in a mix of thought-provoking books that will take your mind off of winter.

Monday-Jackie takes aim at the eye opening Shoot An Iraqi by Wafaa Balil.

Tuesday- Kirsty admits to a particular – peculiar? – fondness for the poetry of Barthold Heinrich Brockes.

Wednesday-Anne considers the role of a prophet in a world of noise in Lucy Winkett’s Our Sound is our Wound.

Thursday-RosyB talks to diverse Brighton-based publisher Myriad Editions about their atlases, graphic novels and their more recent move into fiction.

Friday-Sam’s appetite is piqued as he devours The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

Saturday-Eve shares her thoughts on the Waterstone’s Children’s Prize Winner – The Great Hamster Massacre by Katie Davies.

The splendid painting, “Polar Storm II” by Patricia Henderson is found on the Fine Art America website.