Storybook Saturday: The Boy Who Wouldn't Read by Denise Walter McConduit

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers and another installment of Storybook Saturday.

Today, we're jumping between the pages of a grand bookish adventure just waiting to be explored.  It stars a young man who quite frankly couldn't see the point of reading, in any shape or form, and just what happens when a semi-wish comes true.  Ready to see the world a bit less wordy?  ~shivers~  Brace yourselves because the ending is SO worth it.  Ladies and gents, let's have a little fun in honor of National Library Week.  Today's book of choice is...

The Boy Who Wouldn't Read

by

Denise Walter McConduit

Illustrated by

David Harrington

9781455618293

Pelican Publishing Company

That's right.

This is the story of a boy named Robbie who found no joy, comfort, or understanding in the world of words.  Whether it be for homework or fun, to pass the time or gain directions, he simply saw no point in having a wordy world and thought everything would be much better if they were to disappear completely.

Whoa.  Scary thought.  *-*

One "It's a Wonderful Life" type wish later and some book destroying tactics employed by this misguided youth, and KAZAAM!  Sorcerer Sileas decides enough is ENOUGH.  It's time this boy was taught a lesson, but how?  Oh, trust me, it's a doozy.  With a wave of his wand, the words were ALL GONE...but as wonderful as Robbie thought things might be, he soon found out that so many were much much harder.  From traversing his neighborhood to being up on the news, procuring a frosty drink (because the money was green but lacking any amounts, etc) to catching the right bus home, Robbie soon found out just HOW useful words really were.  Personally I think the pork chop ice cream and the dog biscuit cookies were a nice touch.  ^_^   ...though I may be taking a little vindictive joy in all of that.  

Anyway, when he sees the error of his ways, his only hope is that Sileas will set things right.  Will he or won't he...that IS a very good question! Though it would serve him right to live in this new reality, the former is the correct answer.  From this awful trial is born a young lad with nothing better to do than celebrate the written word with books of every shape and size.  That's right!  Robbie is a converted reader and there's no one that's happier about that outcome than he himself.

If the story itself wasn't transforming enough, the combination of word and illustration paints the picture even clearer.  Robbie's disdain for reading in all forms can be read (pun intended) from the look on his face.  It's rather disheartening, truth be told, but once he sees the wordy light and understands the role these assembled letters play in everyone's day-to-day, things become much brighter.  The final results of this un-wish lived through were fantastic.  I almost jumped for joy, and did in fact do a fist pump in the air.  What can I say?  Seeing someone turned from a non-reader to a reader in any capacity, warms my heart and I am grateful to the illustrator for bringing this story to life in all its many colors.

In conclusion, a book for readers and non of all ages with a story that imparts just how important the world of reading truly is.  It'll leave you with a smile on your face and in your heart.  What more could you ask for?  

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Special thanks to the team at Pelican Publishing Company for the review copy and chance to share this read with all of you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now via Pelican Publishing Company, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!