The Boy Who Wouldn't Read

Gr 1–3—This well-intentioned book is marred by a didactic story and garish illustrations. Robbie hates to read. When he is punished one day for bad behavior, he gets mad and rips out the pages of all of his books. A sorcerer named Silas appears and, warning that Robbie will be sorry, makes all the words disappear so the boy will never have to read again. Robbie is elated at first, but soon realizes how difficult life is without traffic signs, written instructions, or labels on packaged foods and other products. Naturally, once the boy has learned his lesson, Silas returns the words, which magically converts Robbie into being an avid reader. The story is told in singsong verse with forced rhymes that often do not scan. Harrington's digital illustrations feature exaggerated facial expressions that hammer home the characters' reactions. Since the picture book is aimed at early elementary school readers, one has to wonder why the books depicted include Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, Don Quixote, The Odyssey, Arabian Nights, and Jane Eyre. No wonder the poor kid doesn't want to read.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT