The Truth About Books: A Celebration of the Magic of Reading

Why do you like reading? This is the question our young protagonist asks. For him – and so many of the young audience for this book will agree with him – books are static and by implication boring. Asking the various members of his family he is offered many different answers. So where can our hero find the book for him? He has the answer…

By posing a question, Ellis is able to create a ‘story’ as we move through the many possible answers to that question; answers that highlight the way books invite individual responses. There is no one answer. Her illustrations pick up the responses to create a visual experience of the text. Her art bounces off the page, energetic lines creating character, movement, moments of excitement. In every illustration there will be a book somewhere offering imagination, illumination, instruction, ideas all escaping from the pages; books as liberators, perhaps. The images fill each double page spread to great effect ranging from white backgrounds to full colour. The text is clearly presented in interesting placements that avoid any gimmicks, the font is immediately attractive and accessible. With its emphasis on the individual and the reassuring possibility that choice is the key, this book could spark conversation encouraging its audience to embark on their own journey. A lively, positive addition to any Kinderbox or shelf.