EW's Special Coverage

Family Entertainment

Book Review

The Reader (2012)

by Amy Hest and illustrated by Lauren Castillo

Amy Hest
Oct 18, 2012

Okay for kids?

EW says…

Min. Age 4-6 Yrs Old

You simply can't beat the message: love of reading and sharing that with a good friend. It's enough to make you all warm and fuzzy despite the snow. — A.W.

Close

The Reader

You simply can't beat the message: love of reading and sharing that with a good friend. It's enough to make you all warm and fuzzy despite the snow.

Full Review and User Ratings

Rate it!

NONE 1 2 3 4 5
Profanity
Violence
Sexuality
Intensity
Minimum Age:
Recommend It?
Submit
EW's GRADE
A

Details Release Date: Oct 02, 2012; Writer: Amy Hest; Genre: Kids and Family; Publisher: Amazon Children's Publishing

It's a simple tale of a boy and his dog but yet so much more. Amy Hest and Lauren Castillo take their young audience on a wonderfully descriptive adventure. The young boy at the center of the picture book is never named. He is simply The Reader, heading off into the snow with his sturdy brown suitcase, long red sled, and small brown dog. They frolic and play. They struggle up a tall hill to what might as well be "the top of the world." Once there they can indulge in a snack and then do exactly what they came for, as the sturdy brown suitcase is opened to reveal a book aptly titled Two Good Friends. The boy reads as the patient dog listens to the very end and then two head home.

The flow is natural and accessible for young readers and the imagery is whimsical and engaging. Kids aren't the only ones who'll envision themselves leaping into the pages — and the snow.

Originally posted Oct 18, 2012
Advertisement

From the Family Blog

View All

Most Discussed

Most Popular in Family

  1. 'Divergent': Who's Who in the Cast
  2. 10 Best Cartoon Network Shows: We Rank 'Em!
  3. 13 Pixar Classics: We Rank 'em!
  4. Great Movies for Kids 3 and Under
  5. 10 Most Successful Mouseketeers

ew contributors

  • JESSICA SHAW,
    mom of two, aged 2 and 5
  • ANTHONY BREZNICAN,
    dad of two, aged newborn and 3
  • ABBY WEST,
    mom of two, aged 12 and 14
  • DALTON ROSS,
    dad of two, aged 9 and 12
  • CHRISTINA KELLY,
    mom of two, aged 9 and 12
  • LISA PIERCE FLORES,
    mom of one, aged 8 months
  • LESLEY SAVAGE,
    mom of one, aged 7 months
  • AMY SCHRADER,
    mom of two, aged 8 (twins)
  • JONATHON GRAY,
    dad of three, aged 9 (twins) and 12
  • KRISSY MAC,
    mom of three, aged 5, 3 1/2, and 1 1/2