The protagonist begins, “My name is book and I'll tell you the story of my life.” (1) In a lyrical voice, Book explains that before writing came oral storytelling. (“Before Book there was Breath.” (2). In small, illustrated chapters Book guides the reader through periods of its history distinguished by papyrus, feathers, Gutenberg's moveable type, the paperback book, and the coming of the e-book. The author includes a glossary and his most valued sources.

2016 Outstanding International Book, United States Board on Books for Young People.

Author lives in East Sussex, England.

UK. Originally published in English by Walker Books in 2014. Published in the United States by Candlewick in 2015.