Playing with the Book: Victorian Movable Picture Books and the Child Reader

Playing with the Book explores how Victorian novelty picture books reshaped the ways children read and interact with texts, using case studies and intensive examination of editions to argue that they construct a process of reading that involves touch as well as sight.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 248 pages
\n Publication date: 24 July 2019
\n Publisher: University of Minnesota Press
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The Victorian era witnessed a remarkable surge in the publication of novelty picture books, characterized by their intricate designs that included flaps to lift, tabs to pull, pages that could fold out, pop-up scenes, and even mechanical toys mounted on pages. These elaborately crafted works not only challenged the traditional format of books but also raised profound questions about the nature of reading, particularly in the context of children's literature and child readers.

In her book titled "Playing with the Book," Hannah Field delves into the captivating world of these novelty and movable books, examining their impact on children's reading practices. Through extensive case studies and a meticulous examination of surviving editions from the nineteenth century, Field explores how these books reshaped the relationship between pictures, words, and format in both productive and troubling ways.

One of the key findings of Field's research is that children engaged in unconventional behaviors with their novelty books, such as ripping, tearing, and coloring in them, despite the explicit instructions against such actions. This reveals that these books not only stimulated the child's visual and tactile senses but also encouraged them to actively participate in the reading process.

Field argues that novelty books construct a unique reading process that involves both touch and sight. By incorporating flaps, tabs, and pop-up elements, these books engage the child's senses and encourage them to interact with the text in a more multisensory manner. This reconfigures our understanding of the phenomenology of reading, as it emphasizes the importance of touch and visual perception in the cognitive and emotional engagement with literature.

Through her rich illustrations, Field showcases the ingenuity and creativity of these novelty picture books, providing a visual feast for readers. The images of these intricate constructions serve as a testament to the inventiveness of the Victorian era and the enduring fascination with interactive and engaging forms of storytelling.

In conclusion, "Playing with the Book" is a groundbreaking exploration of the role of novelty picture books in shaping children's reading practices and experiences. By examining the intricate designs, unconventional behaviors, and multisensory reading processes of these books, Field offers a fresh perspective on the phenomenology of reading and the complex relationship between children, literature, and the sensory world. This book is a valuable contribution to the field of children's literature and literacy studies, shedding light on the enduring power of novelty and the potential of interactive storytelling to engage and inspire young readers.

\n Weight: 530g\n
Dimension: 230 x 178 x 17 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781517901776\n \n