The Book That Eats People by John Perry, illustrated by Mark Fearing

This is a book that eats people.  Listen closely for growling while you read it, because that means it is hungry.  If you do hear growling, put it down immediately and set something heavy on it.  Sammy Ruskin was the first person this book ate after it got a taste of the peanut butter on his fingers.  The book next ate a library security guard after being trapped in the library for some time.  Then it disguised itself by using the wrapper from All About Dolphins and was taken home by Victoria Glassford,who was eaten that night.  After eating several more people, the book was locked in jail and chained.  They tried to reform it in the zoo, but it didn’t work.  Now you have the book in your hands.  Beware!

Broadly humorous and definitely dark, this book is ideal for older elementary school readers and for younger children who love that certain shudder with their giggles.  Perry’s language is great fun, filled with dire warnings and taking great glee in describing the book’s killing spree.  Perry writes with great flair that really works for this sort of book.  His comedy is unsubtle and lots of fun.  Fearing’s collage art is also a lot of fun.  His use of deep shadows, dark corners is lightened by the pastels and colors of the unsuspecting.  It works to great effect here.

Highly recommended for children who enjoy a dark deep chuckle with their humor.  Appropriate for ages 6-9.

Reviewed from library copy.

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