Cooper, Elisha. Here Is a Book. Elisha Cooper, Illus. Abrams, 04/2025. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-4197-6675-6. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Beginning at her home in the country, an author writes and illustrates a book, then goes to the city to have it published, printed, and sold so that children can read it. Similar to Cooper’s previous books, such as Farm (Orchard, 2010), the brief text gives an overview of the process without much detail and is illustrated with charming watercolors showing everything in miniature, including an author who presents as white. The sentences read like lists of related items: “the artist’s studio overflows with paper, pencils, watercolors, brushes, sketches, drafts, a wastebasket, a light, a desk, a chair, music, tea, days, nights, art, and wonder.” This will work well as a supplement to more detailed books, including Eileen Christelow’s What Do Authors and Illustrators Do? (HMH, 2013).
Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool