The Reader

Wearing a yellow sweatshirt and purple leggings, a child tiptoes “in tiny whispers” to their family’s library early one morning. (“At this time of day, I am the owner of the house,/ which happily opens its corners to me.”) The ungendered protagonist is allowed to read everything within reach—and they do (“As I grow taller, I’ll reach more”). Luca’s poetic text speaks to the tenderness with which this reader relates to books and their contents; even while other kids play outside, “I choose a book, and then another./ And I read.” In deep purples and greens with scratchy textures, Alonso’s joyful artwork brings to life the idea that a page is a door to new worlds—in one image, a volume opens a rectangular hole that transports them to “wild places where the animals rule” and “underwater worlds, where/ you never need to come up for air,” and offers the chance to “be a giant/ or... be invisible.” Luscious language and vibrant illustrations come together in this story sure to delight bibliophiles. Ages 3–8. (Oct.)