posted on 07 Sep 2016

It’s A Book by Lane Smith

There really is nothing more satisfying than a beautiful picture book that works with an idea that’s so simple it’s positively sublime. Lane Smith’s It’s A Book is certainly one of these and what is really captivating is that nestling beneath the surface simplicity is a complex message for our times.

Monkey has a book – something which puzzles his friend Jackass. You see, Jackass has a computer and his computer has lots of functions. He asks monkey a series of questions about his book: can you scroll down; where’s the mouse; can you blog or email; does it need a password? No, says monkey patiently, it’s a book.

Monkey shows Jackass the story inside – Treasure Island -  but Jackass is still puzzled. What else can it do? Nothing, says Monkey, it’s a book. So, Jackass picks up the book and starts to read..and read...and read. Don’t worry, he tells Monkey, I’ll recharge it when I’m done. No need says Monkey, it’s a book.

And that’s it. But if you think that telling a story as stripped down as this is easy then you’re dead wrong – it must be one of the most difficult of skills. If you don’t believe me, just try it. Lane Smith’s combination of a minimum amount of words and almost rudimentary drawings to help him construct a complicated defence of the physical book in an age of technology is genuinely remarkable.

Children will love it – the colours are bold and direct and the repetition of the central conceit will allow them to join in. I can almost hear the child’s delight as he or she joins in and shouts :

‘No. It’s a book.’

 

Terry Potter

September 2016