The Reader by Amy Hest

The Reader

by Amy Hest

In this timeless picture book, a new reader trudges through deep snow with a mysterious suitcase in tow. He has something important to share with his faithful companion, who bolts ahead to wait at the top of a tall hill. Our small hero climbs higher and higher, until finally, he is there, too. Then he opens his suitcase—click, click—and soon the only sound in the world is the sound of the reader reading their very favorite book to the very last page…the very last word.

Amy Hest’s spare evocative text is a true celebration of new readers and good friends everywhere, while Lauren Castillo’s pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations, with their bold saturated colors against winter white, perfectly capture the wonder and delight of this magical day.

Reviewed by cherryblossommj on

3 of 5 stars

Share
This is a very simple book. Part of me thinks it is too simple, but then again perhaps it is appropriately simple. As a picture book I am underwhelmed while if it was an early reader leveled book I'd love it and be cheering for more to all stars. The illustrations are lovely and I especially like the letters that appear in the snowfall when The Reader starts his book.

Thanks to Amazon Vine for providing a copy for review.

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 11 December, 2012: Finished reading
  • 11 December, 2012: Reviewed