written by Jesse Klausmeier, illustrated by Suzy Lee
{published 2013, by Chronicle Books}
Did you see that teensy update on my bio over there? I took out the former, cause I’m back to the library, y’all. It’s such a dream. My natural habitat. I see students for the first time next week, and have been anxious to share this with the littlest. I want it to be our signature story, the one that represents what we do together – opening book after book after book.
I’m also trying to figure out how to recreate this thing as a bulletin board. The engineering and the math and the genius and whoa. Stay tuned.
Check it out in action:
Jesse Klausmeier dedicated this to Levar Burton, which is especially sweet given that this little book is a real love letter to books everywhere. 
Color distinguishes each character’s little book. Distinct and vibrant, belonging to each reader.
Shape and scale do, too, and not in the most obvious way. The first character we meet is Ladybug. She’s in a red book, reading a green book. And inside the green book is Frog, who opens an orange book.
So, the bigger the character, the smaller the book!
And that’s what causes a bit of sticky situation when it’s time for a Giant to join the fun.
Oh, and the texture! There’s a vintage and well-loved appearance to the pages. It feels like a book that’s already been well-loved and flipped through so many times. Such a small choice, such big heart behind it.
This book’s design is a frame that allows the connectedness of story and readers to shine. I bet you won’t be able to stop opening and closing this little book. It’s addicting.
Tagged: chronicle books, color, illustration, jesse klausmeier, levar burton, scale, shape, suzy lee, texture
