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    The Children's Book Review

    The Reader | Book Spotlight

    Bianca SchulzeBy Bianca Schulze2 Mins Read Ages 4-8 Picture Books
    The Reader Book Spotlight
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    Book Spotlight: The Reader
    The Children’s Book Review

    The Reader: book cover

    The Reader

    Written by Amy Hest

    Illustrated by Lauren Castillo

    Ages: 4-8 | 32 Pages

    Publisher: Two Lions | ISBN-13: 978-0761461845

    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.

    Book by Lauren Castillo
    The Reader Illustration copyright © 2012 by Lauren Castillo

    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.

    Buy the Book
    amazon
    barnes and noble

    About the Author

    Amy Hest‘s many acclaimed children’s books include the New York Times bestseller Kiss Good Night. A three-time winner of the prestigious Christopher Award, she lives in New York City. She claims to have absolutely no hidden talents, unless you count an uncanny interest in coffee ice cream and certain dogs in the Wheaten Terrier or Airedale family. Amy likes to take long walks (in the city), ride a bike (in the city), and swim (also in the city). She likes movies and reading, of course! For more information, visit her website at http://amyhest.com/.

    About the Illustrator

    Lauren Castillo grew up in small town Maryland, but now spends her time in the bustling borough of Brooklyn, New York, writing and illustrating books for children. She likes exploring the city, daydreaming in parks, doodling in cafes, and spying cute dogs on the street. Visit her website at www.laurencastillo.com and her blog at laurencastillo.blogspot.com. Drop by and say “hello” any time!

    What to Read Next:

    1. Amy Hest & Lauren Castillo on Their Writing Inspiration for “The Reader”
    2. Lauren Castillo, Illustrator of Twenty Yawns | Selfie and a Shelfie
    3. Winter Books: 9 New Season Books for Winter and Beyond
    4. Caldecott Award: Randolph Caldecott Medal Winner | 2015

    *Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links that share some commission. Rest assured that these will not affect the cost of any products and services promoted here. Our team always provides their authentic opinion in all content published on this site.

    Amy Hest Lauren Castillo Two Lions
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    Previous ArticleAmy Hest & Lauren Castillo on Their Writing Inspiration for “The Reader”
    Next Article An Interview with Ali Hammoud: Courage, Instincts & Self-Publishing
    Bianca Schulze
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    Bianca Schulze is the founder of The Children’s Book Review. She is a reader, reviewer, mother and children’s book lover. She also has a decade’s worth of experience working with children in the great outdoors. Combined with her love of books and experience as a children’s specialist bookseller, the goal is to share her passion for children’s literature to grow readers. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, she now lives with her husband and three children near Boulder, Colorado.

    27 Comments

    1. YvonneJ on November 9, 2012 8:34 am

      I love picture books and sharing them with the children at our library. This book would be great for the January “winter reads” display that I am planning.

      Reply
    2. Staci A on November 9, 2012 9:55 am

      I’m excited because I love reading to my boys and this looks like a beautiful book to share with them!

      Reply
    3. chris on November 9, 2012 10:02 am

      I cant believe a rafflecopter form, they are unreliable and many blogs are returning to a regular form *sigh*

      Reply
    4. Deanna Allen on November 10, 2012 8:03 am

      What a cute book! Perfect for a classroom!

      Reply
    5. Christine on November 10, 2012 9:12 am

      The illustrations!

      Reply
    6. Melody on November 11, 2012 5:07 am

      New to the reading to children scene BUT I am here to stay… reading to my grandson!! Excited to see all the book giveaways! Thanks

      Reply
    7. Barbara on November 11, 2012 8:31 pm

      It looks like a really fun book to read…plus I love dogs. 🙂

      Reply
    8. Mary Mac on November 11, 2012 11:40 pm

      Because my granddaughter would love this book

      Reply
    9. Michelle on November 12, 2012 9:05 pm

      Adorable! I can’t WAIT to read this one and share with my readers in my classroom! Thanks for the opportunity!

      Reply
    10. Kelly Ann T. on November 12, 2012 9:52 pm

      Our whole family is a dog loving family.

      Reply
    11. Melanie Schemanski on November 14, 2012 2:02 pm

      The illustrations look beautiful and I love books about reading
      Melanie

      Reply
    12. Bonnie on November 14, 2012 6:00 pm

      This looks like a fun book for kids.

      Reply
    13. Teresa Young on November 17, 2012 5:22 pm

      This is a gorgeous book I’d love to share with my dog-loving grandkids.

      Reply
    14. Desiree Trott on November 18, 2012 11:33 am

      My daughter is too little yet, but I’m trying to build her a library she can appreciate as she gets past board books.

      Reply
    15. Becky on November 19, 2012 8:24 am

      I just found this website and am so excited. My boys love books, and I’m trying to continue their love of reading.

      Reply
    16. Katie on November 19, 2012 9:25 am

      My students love new picture books and I know they would love this one!

      Reply
    17. Wehaf on November 19, 2012 10:59 pm

      I think this would be a wonderful book to share with my book- and dog-loving niece.

      Reply
    18. Gloria Walshver on November 21, 2012 6:37 am

      My granddaughter loves to read.

      Reply
    19. Rhonda P. on November 24, 2012 8:36 am

      Brings winter to life! We do not get snow here in South Texas, so the illustrations in this book would give our students a sense of what it is like. Thank you for the opportunity!

      Reply
    20. Vera Godley on November 26, 2012 12:55 pm

      I would give it to our small school library!

      Reply
    21. Amy W. on December 4, 2012 8:17 am

      I’d like to win because I think my kids would really enjoy it.

      Reply
    22. Connie Schultz on December 4, 2012 11:57 am

      It looks like one my daughter could read.

      Reply
    23. Carol L on December 4, 2012 12:43 pm

      My grandson would love this book. The illustrations are beautiful as well.
      Carol L

      Reply
    24. Irene Menge on December 4, 2012 1:16 pm

      Great for my grandkids.

      Reply
    25. Linda Kish on December 4, 2012 3:32 pm

      This looks like a very cute book. I think kids should have books available to them beginning at an early age to develop a love of reading.

      lkish77123 at gmail dot com

      Reply
    26. Karen Maurer on December 4, 2012 5:34 pm

      Snow. I love snow and this looks like a lovely book to share with small children.

      Reply
    27. Cindy Macbeth on December 5, 2012 9:22 pm

      Love any story about a dog and his best friend. Pictures look wonderful

      Reply
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