The World That Loved Books

by Stephen Parlato

Imagine a world where everyone loves books, and where people become what they read. And then... when the book is done, they become themselves again, only smarter. This is the world Stephen Parlato creates in The World That Loved Books, a world where even the animals love to read. Illustrated with gorgeous, intricately detailed collages, this dazzling picture book conveys a sense of joy and wonder about the natural world. It’s also a powerful fable about reading books and how they change the reader in marvelous and unexpected ways.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Art

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2003

Reviews

[Brindi Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite the visual treat, with very realistic images. But I wanted a little more from this book, like a mixture of books across multiple genres (it seems most readers were just enjoying nonfiction books...and where are the children who read??). I did enjoy the last page, tremendously :)

[Wisteria Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to my world. At least that s what I thought when I read the beginning of The World That Loved Books, by Stephen Parlato. From the opening page:[return][return] There once was a world where everyone loved books, even the animals. Everyone loved to read so much that when they read their books they became what they read. [return][return]Bravo! This book was so spectacular I read it slowly savoring every memorable morsel of text and the intricate illustrations that honestly should be framed mounted and hung in an art gallery. This author and illustrator understands the importance of providing a simple text with everyday vocabulary. Each couplet with the complementary detailed drawing stand alone, but together they will fascinate students, engage their thinking and stimulate questions and ideas. The book will be enjoyed by all students, whether the student is an auditory or verbal learner, ELL, special needs, gifted and talented or in the mainstream classroom. Mr. Parlato s text and collages are an oxymoron of simple elaboration. [return][return]Once you read this book you will love reading it to your class. You will garner ways to use it in lessons and realize it is an essential part of your classroom library. Anyone who loves books or struggles to get others to read will cherish The World that Loved Books by Stephen Parlato, an exceptionally creative master. [return][return]Wisteria Leigh[return]January 6, 2009

[John Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The World that Loved Books is a visual journey into the realm of possibility. In a world where readers become a collage of what they read everything takes on new meaning. The idea is communicated well for readers young and old. In a world fraught with difficulty we need the ability to escape and Parlato has reminded his readers that books have always offered that opportunity. By utilizing common images Parlato also reminds us that visual arts offer the same menu of choices for recreating our present conditions with those sparked by our imagination.

The book stands out as a picture book that children can engage again and again as readers or listeners/viewers. Adults will find it most enjoyable and even useful for sharing in professional development activities that are oriented towards self-discovery. Teachers of all age groups will share and copy the ideas of silhouetted figures and urge their students to create their own defining collage.

Even after the books were closed people were never the same again. That’s the impact we seek as teachers, mentors, artists, and authors. Indeed, it is the influence we all desire for the world. Stephen Parlato understands.

5 of 5

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author/illustrator has a real gift for creating memorable images. This book is, at its core, appealing because of the detailed, colorful collages that Parlato creates. The basic premise is that as different people or animals read books, they transform into a collage based on the contents of the book they just read. For example, "A man reading about flowers...became flowers." Really gorgeous work by Parlato.

[Sarah Morrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

The World That Loved Books by Stephen Parlato was an interesting read. The story itself is very simple. The illustrations are marvelous. Each page has a collage that depicts the text. The text itself is also placed on the page in an interesting, artistic manner. I was disappointed by the end, because it was very abrupt. Overall, the book was enjoyable.

[Jackie]

I love this book's message--that when people read books, they become what they read. And when they close their books they become themselves again, only smarter. LOVE IT!!!! And the illustrations--collages cut out into shapes to fit the story--are endlessly fascinating. I am in awe.

[Janin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I -love- the illustrations in this book! It was perfect as an introductory story for a pre-k art lesson based on the "Magic Water Mixing and Tissue Paper" from http://mrsbrownart.com/kindergarten.htm

[Rema Badwan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although a children's book, for anyone that loves books, this is a must have.

[Wisteria Leigh]

2009-Winter,children literature,collage,critical thinking

[Polly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is mainly a vehicle for some really cool illustrations, but they are really cool!

[Jacqueline J · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mostly this is just a bunch of not very interesting illustrations. The story had no interesting elements, good language or cute story line. Hmm.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Illustrations are amazing!

[Dr. Cheryl S. Vanatti]

Read my thoughts over on Reading Rumpus: https://www.readingrumpus.com/2009/01...