Describe your latest work. When I started working on Plant-Thinking in 2008, I had no idea that the project would turn out to be as broad as it did....
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KatherineA54, July 10, 2012 (view all comments by KatherineA54)
Haters of Kindles/Nooks/E-readers in general: Kick up your heels. Lane Smith has cleverly defended those of us who prefer to hold a real book in our hand. The wonderful illustrations in "It's A Book" include a techno-savvy donkey who can't grasp how the written word can be understood without emoticons, electricity or passwords. A literary-loving gorilla patiently describes the wonder -- and simplicity -- of reading without fear of breaking the words, changing them into nonsense or losing the author's meaning. Not only should you add this to your bookcase (if you still have one), but you should buy a copy for anyone who looks at you skeptically when you remind them that a piece of literary art does NOT have the same effect on their (allegedly) glare-free screen. Thanks to Lane Smith, whose work is important -- and far shorter than this review.
TeacherJan, January 27, 2011 (view all comments by TeacherJan)
I know it's a "kids' book", but this is easily the most entertaining book I read all year! It is "LOL" funny! I've shared it with all of my friends, and they agree!
amis, January 18, 2011 (view all comments by amis)
I LOVE this book. Lane Smith has done it again. His drawings are simple but express so much. I have been sharing it with everyone in my life.
fungula, January 12, 2011 (view all comments by fungula)
This is a book for all ages! It reminds us, or reinforces, what books are all about. It's the perfect gift for someone starting elementary school or college, starting a library or a family. It's brilliant!
The perfect gift for the tech-weary child (or adult) in your life. Bold illustrations, simple text, and a barrelful of wit will remind readers of the joys to be found when you go offline and lose yourself in the pages of a favorite story.
by Billie Bloebaum
"Staff Pick"
by Sarah H.,
If you adore the way paper feels against your fingertips and the smell of musty ink, if you shudder each time a friend predicts the rise of the ebook and the demise of the traditional one, then think of It's A Book as therapy.
by Sarah H.
"Publishers Weekly Review"
by Publishers Weekly,
"Smith (Madam President) addresses e-literacy in his irreverent style, casting a donkey in the role of digital junkie and a gorilla as a literary type. The donkey fiddles with a laptop while the gorilla holds a novel. 'What do you have there?' asks the techie, whose words are printed in ice blue, sans serif letters suggestive of a chat room. 'It's a book,' the ape answers, in a stately orange serif font. The donkey tests the gorilla's patience: 'Can it text? Tweet? Wi-Fi?' (When he asks, 'Where's your mouse?' a real one pops from beneath the gorilla's porkpie hat.) After the gorilla hands over Treasure Island, the donkey gripes, 'Too many letters,' and converts the scene to emoticons before getting hooked on the story. 'I'll charge it up when I'm done!' he promises, at which the mouse squeaks, 'It's a book, jackass.' This smart-aleck retort, arguably justified because the donkey is a jackass in any sense of the word, urges readers to side with the scholarly gorilla. Meanwhile, Smith has the best of both worlds: his stylish drawings, sleek typography, and kid-friendly humor combine old media and new. Ages 6 — up. (Sept.)" Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) (Copyright PWyxz LLC)
"Synopsis"
by Netread,
Playful and lighthearted with a subversive twist that is signature Lane Smith, ITS A BOOK is a delightful manifesto on behalf of print in the digital age. This satisfying, perfectly executed picture book has something to say to readers of all stripes and all ages.
"Synopsis"
by Firebrand,
Wait. Before I read this book, I have to floss my teeth and wash behind my ears and feed my fish.
Wait. Before I read this book, I have to sip some water and scratch the tip of my nose and clean under my bed.and#160;
The little boy inand#160;I Will Not Read This Book! has aand#160;lotof excuses, because if there is one thing he doesn't want to do, it's read this book. And you know what? You. Can't. Make. Him.
and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160; Cece Meng, author ofTough ChicksandThe Wonderful Thing about Hiccups,delivers once again with a pitch perfect reluctant reader who is finally convinced to read the book if--and only if--someone he loves will read it with him.and#160;Illustrated with wit and whimsy by Joy Ang.
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