The Book High

Fantastically unique and creative, the experience of reading this book was every bit as delightful as the story and characters themselves.

Written entirely in verse (if Dr. Seuss were to write a novel-length chapter book (with the addition of a few Lemony-Snicket-like macabre elements) this would be it!) with font size, type, and direction changes sprinkled throughout, this felt unlike any other book I've read before.

So much fun!

I keep hearing that this should be read aloud. I'd like to add to that that it should be read aloud either by the child, or where the child can see and delight in the unexpectedness of the text along with the rhyme. I considered briefly using this as a read-aloud in my classroom, but I think the students would enjoy it much more if they could take it home and read it aloud with their parents.

As for the story: I was impressed at the unique and unexpected places the story took me. A story would have to be pretty strong to stand up to being told in verse, and this story not only managed it, but made it seem like verse was the only possible way this story could be told. Again, so much fun!

And the characters. I loved how at the beginning Katrina and Morty balanced each other out. I ADORED how as the story went along, they not only learned to utilize each others' strengths, but were able to learn from them. Excellently well done.

Overall, fun characters, fascinating story, and the most original storytelling approach I've yet seen in a children's book. A thoroughly delightful reading experience that I can't wait to share with my students!

4.5 stars rounded up