I Don't Like Books. Never. Ever. The End.

This is a charming, funny and imaginative picture book by Emma Perry with beautifully detailed illustrations by Sharon Davey. Mabel hates reading and hates people giving her book presents; she uses books as plates and sledges but never, ever reads one. Until one day, the unread books finally object and protest and soon Mabel is carried away right into the pages and stories themselves. I read this in school with two groups of KS2 pupils and they all loved it. They thoroughly enjoyed indulging in the shock reaction to Mabel's misuse of books and liked predicting what the next book she might fall into would be. They think it's going to be a much loved book, especially in KS1, where it's off to next! Picture book / Ages 4+ / Reviewed by Jenny Caddick, HLTA

Suggested Reading Age 3+

This highly inspiring picture book is the perfect addition to every home and classroom, especially for those who behold reluctant readers! Emma Perry teaches the value of books and the adventures they behold in a high paced style with its one-word sentences and expressive language in capital letters - it is best read-aloud with high emotion. We meet a girl called, Mabel who we might usually assume would love books - her family certainly do with their continuous gifting of books to her, much to her dismay! Mabel makes use of these books in some unconventional ways: stacking them to reach up high, using them as a sledge and even slurping her dinner off them! In a bedroom full of books which have never been read, the books begin to cause a commotion and Mabel finds herself falling onto the pages of various books, finding herself in several circumstances which she longs to explore. Mabel realises that a life without books is 'a blank page, with no stories. No adventures', and she now understands the value of these books and cannot read them quickly enough! Mabel is now a girl who loves books. 'Forever and ever. THE END'. This book is perfect to share with those children who can read but don't read. Mabel is a relatable character who brings the reader on her journey to discover a a love of books. This gem of a book is one to be treasured and pulled out again and again for children of all ages, especially those who are able to read but may need some inspiration to find a book that interests them. I cannot wait to launch World Book Day 2020 by reading this picture book about the magic of stories to a school of 600+ children and seeing the magic that I'm sure will unfold for these children! Picture book / Ages 3+ / Reviewed by Jessica Bunney, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 3+

Once upon a time there was a girl called Mabel ....... who hated books! Unfortunately for Mabel, her family and friends never seem to understand her hatred for stories. She would receive books for birthdays, Christmas and for anytime in between. All of these books would come in handy though, with many of them being redeployed in a variety of different ways. However, the books soon become fed up and bored of being misused and take matters into their own hands..... will Mabel learn the value of books after all? Emma Perry has created a wonderful and original story about the problems that come with being a non book lover. We often find books where characters are keen readers and lovers of stories but, as is true in every classroom up and down the country, not every child is a natural bookworm. Some children even avoid the idea of reading all together. What makes this story special is the way Emma addresses that problem. It doesn't turn into a lecture about having to read but more of a look inside the opportunities stories give you to travel, and the fear of missing out on the ending of something that has you hooked. I can't wait to share this text with my class, who on the whole love stories, so I can see if some of my more reluctant readers become hooked into the story themselves. A real treat and very much recommended for all primary schools and EYFS settings. Picture book / Ages 4+ / Reviewed by Kyle Matravers, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 3+