The Boy on the Page

PreS-Gr 2—At first glance, this may seem like a merely a charming but simple story about a boy who tumbles into the pages of a book. However, when children reread the story, they will discover a whimsical tale about the meaning of life. Through the actions of a young boy who grows older over the course of the story, readers realize that leading a beautiful life can be as easy and unplanned as climbing mountains, falling in love, saving animals, planting a tree, standing in the pouring rain, or paddling a canoe (onto a whale!). This would make a lovely story for parents to read at bedtime, where contemplation and reflection with children can be accommodated. Carnavas's expressive and playful illustrations are reminiscent of Peter Reynolds's drawings and enrich the spare text. Throughout the story, youngsters will enjoy finding the pig and the yellow bird—the constant companions of the main character. At the very end of the book, the man realizes that it is enough to have cared for others and to have received love in return. A worthy message for young and old alike.—Sally James, South Hillsborough Elementary School, Hillsborough, CA