The Covers of my Book are Too Far Apart (and Other Grumbles)

This is an enjoyable picture book about all the excuses made by children – and grown-ups – who aren’t convinced they like reading.

On each double-page spread there’s a grumble such as “reading is hard” or “I can’t find a book I like” or ‘I don’t have time to read’, but for each one there are counter-arguments, with advice and recommendations from a fun range of characters.  There’s a book-eating panda, a pony librarian, twin chimps, and a flying superhero, just to name a few!

The advice is supportive for anyone who perhaps struggles with reading.  Reading in all its forms is encouraged – joke books, e-books, comics, audio books, information books – and there are lots of ideas about how to find books that you will enjoy.

Importantly, there’s a challenge to publishers to make books showing diverse cultures, family types and people with disabilities, so that readers can recognise themselves in the books they are reading.

It’s a dyslexia-friendly text, great for adults to read with children.  All the text is in speech bubbles, and the illustrations are full of humour.  There’s so much to pore over and talk about that it will be a joy to share.  It will help teachers, librarians, and anyone who supports children’s reading development to have a good discussion about reading.