Children's Book Review: Born to Read

Born to Read
Written by:  Judy Sierra
Illustrated by:  Marc Brown
Published by: Alfred A. Knopf, 2008
40 pages

from goodreads.com:
THE AWARD-WINNING COLLABORATORS of the New York Times #1 picture book bestseller Wild About Books are back with a new story that promotes books and reading. Told in Judy Sierra’s inimitable read-aloud rhyme, the narrative chronicles the amazing successes of Sam—thanks to his early love of books. The story ranges from Sam’s infancy, when his mother reads him a picture book (“then another, then another, then another . . . such a perfect, patient mother”), to school age, when he cleverly uses some of his favorite books to rid his town of the rampaging baby giant, Grundaloon. “‘Here’s my secret,’ Sam decreed. ‘Readers win and winners read.’” Marc Brown’s playful pictures joyously complement this fun-to-read, upbeat story.

* The title of this book jumped out at me since I feel like it describes my daughter perfectly.  I think my daughter could relate to the story since she, like Sam, likes to read everywhere!  The kids were excited at seeing familiar picture books in the illustrations.  I liked the mesage that "readers can do anything!" and how the book highlighted all of the important ways reading helps in everyday life (road signs, chore lists, grocery shopping, etc.).  It was also fun to see illustrations by Marc Brown, the well-known creator of the Arthur series.

Family Rating: 1 thumb up.