a most wonderful surprise

last week, i received a package in the mail, which is always exciting, but this was a package of the best kind. an unexpected package. not a birthday in sight, christmas still a ways off, and no prior warning of the package's arrival. to top it all off, it was from one of my dearest friends.

and then i opened it.

it was a book by emily gravett. i have blogged about emily gravett before. i love her children's books. really great illustrations and simple, sweet, and clever stories. this dear friend had asked for recommendations on children's books a while ago and emily gravett is one of the authors that i recommended.

but i had never heard of this book before. 

cover

the rabbit problem.

i will try to describe the book, but words don't do it justice. it is a book that you have to handle and examine to really appreciate it.

it is a book about fibonacci's rabbit problem from the perspective of the rabbits. but as the back of the book says, this is not a book about math (although i think that it is so much more enjoyable for us math nerds).

inside cover

the book is in calendar form, due to the monthly nature of the fibonacci problem. each page spread is a calendar page (which means that you get to turn the book sideways while you read it), filled with illustrations, notes scribbled on the calendar, and three dimensional pamphlets, booklets, etc. that relate to the month. reading the book was a delightful textural experience and i spent an hour pouring over the pages last night. i imagine that i will notice new things each time that i pick up the book.

february's spread

the details are stunning and it is one of the best tactile experiences i have ever had with a book. i highly recommend it. if you're really nice, you can come over and look through mine.

thank you, liz, this was such a thoughtful and delightful surprise.