The gobbledygook is eating a book by Justine Clarke and Arthur Baysting; illustrated by Tom Jellett

There are some books that just grab you as soon as you start to read, while others grab you as soon as you see the cover - and The Gobbledygook is eating a book is definitely one of those books that grabbed me from the moment I saw the front cover.  This strange little monster sitting all alone on the cover, clasping pages lovingly to its chest while gazing up at the title had me intrigued, and the punchy and amusing story that follows kept me hooked right to the end. 

The rhythm and rhyme keeps up through the whole book and carries the reader from page to page as the Gobbledygook meets a little girl who is determined to show it how books should be used (and how they shouldn't be eaten).  As a librarian working in a public library I really enjoy any book that encourages children to read books for the fun of it - because reading for pleasure encourages literacy skills and helps set children up for their future of work, study, and play. 

This has been one of my favourite picture books recently for encouraging reading for fun - the story is fresh and new, and the illustrations match the text perfectly.  Boys and girls will both enjoy this book, and I am sure that there will be loads of parents out there soon who can recite the Gobbledygook from memory!

If you like this book then try:

• The children who loved books by Peter Carnavas
• No T.Rex in the library by Toni Buzzeo; ilustrated by Sachiko Yoshikawa
• Bark, George by Jules Feiffer
• Don't let the pigeon drive the bus by Mo Willems
• Click, clack, moo: Cows that type by Doreen Cronin
• Tadpole's promise by Jeanne Willis; illustrated by Tony Ross
• No, David! by David Shannon
• Croc and bird by Alexis Deacon
• Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann
• Stephanie's ponytail by Robert Munsch; illustrated by Michael Martchenko

Reviewed by Brilla