The Reader

As snow falls gently, Castillo's (Happy Like Soccer) woodcutlike ink-and-watercolor spreads show a boy in red boots and scarf pulling a sled, accompanied by his dog. Hest (Letters to Leo) doesn't name the boy; he's "the reader" of the title. He takes the dog to the top of a hill, unpacks a winter picnic, and opens a book: "The dog waits. It is hard, but he is good at waiting. And then at last the reader reads." Castillo's cheerful, red-cheeked boy and his tail-wagging companion will engage younger viewers, while Hest's spare, lyrical writing seems directed toward an older group (the sled's "train tracks are impeccably straight. They are beautiful"). Although the read-aloud episode is at the heart of the book, there's also satisfaction to be had from the boy's experiments with parenting as he takes his dog on an outing, reads to him like a child, and "wraps the dog in his two strong arms." A reassuring bedtime entry for a chilly night. Ages 4-8. Illustrator's agent: Paul Rodeen, Rodeen Literary Management. (Oct.)

PreS-K--On a snowy, blowy day, it isn't surprising to see a boy, referred to as "the reader," dragging his sled up the hill. The gray-blue sky grows whiter as he and his brown dog climb. "His boots are high and very heavy, but he is strong, and his train tracks are impeccably straight." The trip up is as lovely as it is challenging: Hest's text is quirky and sweet; Castillo uses changing textures and perspectives compellingly. At the top of the world-or at least the hill-the two companions romp in the snow, share a snack, and then "it's time." A click, the opening of a suitcase, and out comes... a book. This is surprising. Perched on a sled on top of a hill, "the only sound in the world is the sound of the reader reading to the very last page... the very last word." A blue bird listens in. Plump white falling flakes take on the shapes of letters of the alphabet. Getting the sled back down the hill is faster and more fun. The final picture of boy and dog running toward a warm, golden-lit home is reminiscent of countless snowy-day stories. What sets The Reader apart is right there in the title. It's an odd but appealing adventure, a gentle reminder that reading can be precious anytime and anywhere-especially in the company of friends.--Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY