I Want to Be a Reader!

by Mark Powers, Maria Montag (Illustrations)

A simple celebration of a major milestone: learning to read! It will take a lot of hard work: learning the letters, turning the pages, saying the words. But that hard work will pay off—maybe sooner than this little boy thinks! Dynamic illustrations add to this sweet story of a young boy and his desire to read, ending with a hopeful message to toddlers that someday, they can be readers too!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

14 pages, Board Book

Published April 4, 2017

About the author

A percussion artist/educator and world traveler, Mark Powers has studied, performed and taught throughout North America, as well as in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the South Pacific. He has contributed drumset and/or percussion tracks to a number of incredible recording projects, including releases by M. Ward, Mbrascatu, Haley Johnsen, Falls, Amanda Richards, King Black Acid, Rob Wynia (of Floater), Cory Chisel & the Wandering Sons, and others.

Mark has also made music on stage with a diverse list of artists, ranging from Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen, Devon Evans (of Bob Marley and the Wailers), Clyde Stubblefield, Rolling Stones saxophonist Tim Ries, and America's Polka King- the late Frankie Yankovic, to disco sensations The Afrodisiacs and 80’s nerd-rockers The Spazmatics.

As a teaching artist, Mark facilitates a variety of percussion programs – including his popular "TrashBamBOOM!" (formerly "Junk Jam") and "Sights & Sounds of Ghana" classes – educating students of all ages in schools around the world. He also presents at youth/adult correctional facilities and leads businesses and organizations through leadership and team building training in his highly interactive "Rhythms at Work" workshops.

He has spoken at TEDxConcordiaUPortland and TEDxYouthOmaha, is co-author of "Alfred's Drumset Method: Book 2" and "The 2-in-1 Drummer," and author of "Solo in Style" (all three published by Alfred Music), as well as author of a children's board book titled, "I Want To Be A Drummer" (published by blue manatee press).

He has also written for Modern Drummer Magazine, Percussive Notes and a number of other percussion publications, and releases 60-second video drum lessons on his educational website, DrumItInAMinute.com

Mark plays and endorses Tycoon Percussion instruments, REMO drumheads, Cajon Brush, SABIAN cymbals and ProLogix practice pads.

Fun fact: He is also former co-holder of the Guinness World Record for Longest Drum Roll by a Group (shared with Namiah Tribolini, Peter Buxman and Pat Flanigan)!

More information about Mark can be found at PowersPercussion.com

Reviews

[Bertha · Rating 5 out of 5]

With simple words and bright colorful illustrations "I Want To Be A Reader" is a great book for parents to read to their child or for the child to read to them. I loved Maria Montag's illustrations of the cat reading to the mice and accompanying the boy as he learns the letters and words.
I wish I could have given this book more than 5 stars.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy as a Goodreads Giveaway winner. For a board book, it was not engaging enough for a toddler to stay interested. I really liked the concept and illustrations and would have loved it as an easy reader book with more of a story of what the boy explores in his first book that he finishes by himself.

[Books That Bind · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little toddler wishes he could read and desperately wants to read an entire book someday. He realizes he has to learn letters, words and turn pages... but he may just reach his goal sooner than later! An adorably simple read, with great illustrations, that conveys the excitement found in reading.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple board book for children that really want to read themselves. It sure beats the "Dick and Jane" that I learned to read with. The illustrations are first class as well.
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway.

[T.E. Antonino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great first book for the child that wants to read on their own. The illustrations are nice. I recently had a young girl tell me how much she loves to read. It's a great thing if you can introduce the world of literature to a child before their five and I think this book can do that.

[Julie Powers · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would be a good book for toddlers and preschoolers.

[Patti P · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe this is a good book with a great message. I would have enjoyed brighter colors in the illustrations, but saying that I still enjoyed it.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young boy talks page by page about someday reading a book but could he have already accomplished that. short text and clear pictures. baby appropriate but toddlers will delight.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and encouraging. Do kids read board books after they are old enough to start reading?

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great board book about working to achieve a goal.

[Kai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this as a giveaway through Goodreads.

Super cute! I love that the main character is a person of color and I absolutely adore that his cat keeps him company (and wears cute glasses).

[Sarah T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This simple book about a boy's growing confidence in being a reader is succinct, to the point and could definitely be inspirational for kids who feel nervous but eager to read.

[Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute board book about a kid who wants to finish a book all by himself. Fortunately he knows what it'll take and before he knows he's surprised that he's able to!

[Anne Wehner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute illustrations!

[Allyson Maclay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really colorful and welcoming. I love the concept of the book especially for young children Who are struggling to read on their own it gives these children the boost of confidence one receive when they finish something they had been struggling with.

[Benjamin Bookman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice message, great to see a non-white main character. A little too simplistic, even for a board book.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This board book is adorable. A little boy wants to read a book from beginning to end. And one day soon he will.