Just Read by Lori Degman

Title: Just Read
Author: Lori Degman
Publisher: Sterling Children's Books
Publication date: March 5, 2019
Pages: 32
Source/format: ARC // The Horn Book

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

“A chipper, colorful celebration of the limitless possibilities for what, where, and when one can read.” —Publishers Weekly
These kids all love to read—alone or together, on a bus or in a parade. And every time they open a book, they open up a whole new world, too!

Learning to read is a big accomplishment, and this exuberant picture book celebrates reading in its many forms. In lively rhyme, it follows a diverse group of word-loving children who grab the opportunity to read wherever and whenever they can. They read while waiting and while sliding or swinging; they read music and in Braille and the signs on the road. And, sometimes, they even read together, in a special fort they’ve built. The colorful, fanciful art and rollicking text will get every child more excited about reading!  

M Y  T H O U G H T S

Just Read is a picture book with vivid watercolor-like illustrations. Victoria Tentler-Krylov’s bold and stunning illustrations draw the eyes of the reader to the pages. The simple rhyming lines are easy to read and to understand. It flows so well! Lori Degman encourages children to read. They can read on their own or read with someone by their side. They can read with many characters such as a pirate, penguin or bear. They explore new and different places. Children can read anywhere and at any time whether it is on the grass outside on a nice day or on a train during a rain storm.

Just Read doesn’t set limitations to reading; reading is accessible for all types of people. The picture book tells a story of how everyone can read no matter who they are. There is something for everyone. This celebration of reading is important at this age. Just Read encourages children that there is no right or wrong way to read.

Just Read is a book for everyone and celebrates diversity. The illustrations depict people of various race, ethnicities and abilities in various weather and climates. Degman describes how a person can read. They can read traditionally through words on a page or on a sign. Some people can read by touch via braille. People can even read through listening and they can read through signing. I love how the book ends with a little free library image that says "take a book, leave a book!"