The Covers Of My Book are Too Far Apart

by Vivian French, Nigel Baines (Illustrator)

Vivian French MBE explores some of the fibs we tell children and children tell us about reading and books in a fun picture book illustrated by Nigel Baines. From excuses like 'I haven't got time to read' to misconceptions about those who struggle with reading, The Covers of My Book Are Too Far Apart (and other grumbles) turns negatives on their head and celebrates the right we all have to access story, and the wonders of the printed page.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Paperback

Published March 15, 2017

About the author

Vivian June Isoult French MBE was born in 1945 and educated at Exeter University.
Vivian French was best known in school for being extremely skinny and for talking a lot. At school she developed an attachment to words and later became an actor, then a storyteller, and finally a writer of children's books. She is the author of more than two hundred books. Ms. French lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, and has four grown daughters.

Reviews

[Aymin Silva]

A book that handles common excuses people might use to justify why they don't read. This could work well alongside 'Booking Always Everywhere' as it combats these by saying there are so many types of book and ways to read. I liked how it highlighted some issues with representation in books, such as the lack of characters with disabilities, those from interracial families and ethnic minorities.

[Kate]

I think this book is great and Mr 3 enjoyed it, but perhaps it would be better for older children who have encountered some of the negative comments about reading that this book aims to combat, and who will be able to have more of a discussion around the ideas in the book.

[Bev]

This vibrant picture book from Vivian French and Nigel Baines deals with many of the arguments that kids (& adults!) put up to avoid reading - 'I don't have time' "I'm too old for pictures' 'Reading is hard' etc. The illustrations are full of life, colour and humour, I particularly liked the horse librarian but I hope it wasn't suggesting librarians are nags! Excellent reading encouragement from the first page to the last with some very valid points made, such as the need for kids to be able to see themselves in books - much better representation is needed of disabilities, all types of families, cultures and religions. This book should be in every primary school library/classroom and it's humorous tone would go down well in lower secondary too. Championing of comics throughout which really gets my seal of approval! All types of reading whether digital or paper are approved of in the books pages and the illustrations show every type and age of person you could think of along with some very cute animals. Nods to Harry Potter and Star Wars made me smile. All in all I just love this book and can thoroughly recommend it.

[Barbara Band]

This book is jam packed with the messages we send out every day about reading ... a must for all librarians! It deals with the excuses we hear all too often, breaks down stereotypes and misconceptions, all told in a light-hearted way that is definitely not preaching or condescending, and accompanied by humorous illustrations.

"If you can read one page, you can read a hundred! It'll just take you a bit longer!" ...

[Michelle]

This is a MUST for libraries. A fantastic book that gives answers to all those statements librarians often encounter, like "Reading's rubbish", "I can't find a book I like", "Pictures are for little kids" and "I hate this book, but I have to finish it". Fun illustrations ensure that it doesn't seem too preachy.