School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-A young boy discovers the joys of reading and the wealth of ways those around him embrace the activity. Reading is uniquely special to each member of his family: mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, uncle, aunt-even though his dog Buddy, fish Toto, and cat Gracie (who's "much too busy") don't read yet. Everyone around him reads, and reads in a variety of ways beyond books. There are picture books and novels, but there are also recipe books, sheet music with "wonderful stories of sound," tales of pirates and aliens, a sky full of storm clouds, the faces of loved ones, a crystal ball, train schedules and watches, magazines, doctor's notes, and even thermometers-all to be read at any time and in every possible place. This child likes the way reading can make him cry and laugh, lift him to new spaces, or help him bond with family and friends. The combination of traditional scenes and surrealistic images, characters, and objects presented here with mixed-media art, line drawings, and collage draw on a child's fanciful thoughts and imaginative images. VERDICT A librarian's dream and a solid addition for most collections.-Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX c Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
In this charming picture book, a young boy shares his love for reading and observes other people reading in many different ways. As he enthusiastically relates, I know how to turn pages, name pictures, and sound out words. I can read now. Like the big kids! But people read more than books. His aunt, for example, reads sheet music. She tells wonderful stories made of sound; a tourist at a train station reads his watch; a fortuneteller reads tarot cards. Indeed, from his home to the park to the doctor's office, everyone is reading something. Mixed-media illustrations depict characters and settings with lush hues, textures, and patterns, utilizing scrutiny-inviting details and playful perspectives in scenarios fanciful to familiar such as the boy sitting on a skyscraper of books, to a snugly reading session with his parents. Although occasional elements, while lyrical, may be esoteric for younger kids (like A woman reads love poems in her boyfriend's eyes.), this highlights reading's diverse impact and the ways it can inform, entertain, and inspire emotions as well as imaginations.--Rosenfeld, Shelle Copyright 2016 Booklist
Amador County Library.
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