B Is for Bibliophile - by O E Zelmanovich (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This stylish ABC book about books and book-making is a wry, witty compendium, pervaded by a love of books.

"A book about books for book lovers of all ages. B Is For Bibliophile is the meta-abecedarium for all the current and future teachers, librarians, writers, and readers in your life." --Brian Selznick, Caldecott-winning creator of The Invention of Hugo Cabret

B is for bibliophile.
D is for dog-eared.
M is for marginalia.
V is for verso.

In these pages, book lovers of all ages are invited to tour through the ABCs of books, with cartoon protagonist Guy as their guide. Excitingly, the book also works to perform what it shares, giving us a gatefold to define gatefold, a die-cut to exemplify what a die-cut is, and so on.

Cleverly conceived and beautifully made, this book is both delightful and edifying--a sheer pleasure to hold in the hand and leaf through. This is a fully illustrated book about books that belongs on the shelves of book lovers both young and old.

Review Quotes

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! "Adorable, informative, this book is outstanding! A must-purchase for my library."

--Librarian Jennine Cerra "Joseph H Gaudet Middle School (Middletown, RI)"

★ STARRED REVIEW! "Everything you need to know about the physical book but didn't think to ask is contained in this clever picture book. From the die cut in the dust jacket, to labels identifying the front and back of the case and the spine, the book will inform book lovers of any age. The mixed media artwork, which includes hand lettered headings, makes all the information feel accessible... The playfulness of the text does not sacrifice bona fide information... Perfect for young bibliophiles learning about book production or creating their own works. It's ideal for elementary through middle school kids who revere the printed book, as well as their adults."

--Librarian Stephanie Tournas "Youth Services Book Review"

"B Is For Bibliophile is a delightful and informative guide for anyone who loves books and would like to have a better understanding of this perfect, timeless technology."

--Lauren Redniss, MacArthur Fellow and author of Oak Flat: A Fight for Sacred Land in the American West

"A book about books for book lovers of all ages. B Is For Bibliophile is the meta-abecedarium for all the current and future teachers, librarians, writers, and readers in your life."

--Brian Selznick, Caldecott-winning creator of The Invention of Hugo Cabret

"This eclectic abecedarian [book] leads readers through a plethora of bibliographic words and terms. This deep dive begins with B (for bibliophile, naturally) and ends with A (appropriate, considering that's where the appendix goes)... Suited to bibliophiles of all ages and stripes. Ideal fare for those who would like to know their verso from their xylographica."

-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"This is for already existing bibliophiles and for the bibliophiles you wish to grow."

--Librarian Betsy Bird "A Fuse #8 Production (A School Library Journal blog)"

About the Author

O.E. (Zoë) Zelmanovich is a lover of books, words, and ideas. They currently work as a freelance book indexer and have also been a rare-book appraiser, a library school dropout, a co-owner of a radical bookstore, and a member of many book clubs. In their nonbook life, they are or have been an activist, a mediator, a yoga teacher, a bicyclist, a facilitator, a dancer, a nanny, a communard, a gardener, a parent, and a crew member of a floating sculpture. Lauren Simkin Berke is a lifelong visual artist, tinkerer, and lover (and maker) of books who works as both an illustrator and an educator. Though mainly working at drawing, painting, printmaking, and bookbinding, Berke can often be found teaching, reading, writing, futzing, and pondering. Berke has illustrated many book covers and book reviews, and has created a plethora of artist's books and zines. They are also the illustrator of Were I Not a Girl: The Inspiring and True Story of Dr. James Barry.