My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World

by Malcolm Mitchell, Michael Robertson (Illustrator)

From Super Bowl champion and literacy crusader Malcolm Mitchell comes an exciting new story that shows even reluctant readers that there is a book out there for everyone!

Meet Henley, an all-around good kid, who hates to read. When he's supposed to be reading, he would rather do anything else. But one day, he gets the scariest homework assignment in the world: find your favorite book to share with the class tomorrow.

What's a kid to do? How can Henley find a story that speaks to everything inside of him?

Malcolm Mitchell, bestselling author of The Magician's Hat, pulls from his own literary triumph to deliver another hilarous and empowering picture book for readers of all abilities. Through his advocacy and his books, Malcolm imparts the important message that every story has the potential to become a favorite.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Books About Books, Fiction, School, Writing, African American

32 pages, Hardcover

First published December 29, 2020

About the author

Malcolm Mitchell (born July 20, 1993) is an American football wide receiver for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Patriots in the 4th round (112th overall) in the 2016 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Georgia.

Mitchell was not a strong reader when he began college, then reading only at a junior high level, but he grew to love reading; even joining a woman's reading club and promoting literacy among youth. He is prouder of his reading accomplishments than of making it to the Super Bowl.

In 2016, Mitchell released his first book, The Magician's Hat. This children's picture book features David, the Magician, who loves to perform magic. David knows the magical power of books, which can explore dreams and develop creativity.

Reviews

[Jasmine from How Useful It Is · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World to my 16-month-old daughter on 12/1/2020 and finished it that same afternoon. I read it again for her that night at bedtime. She loved this book because after I read, she pulled the book to herself to flip through it again. I can see we will be reading this same book every night for awhile. Good thing I also enjoyed it so I don't mind the repetition. I liked the organization of the story and definitely the humor about books. How some stories are boring that the book should be used as a pillow or if it could swim any good at the town's swimming pool. My nine-year-old son read it that first day I opened the bookmail. He loved it. He said he related himself to Henley about what he thought of some books and also because they both wear glasses!


My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World introduced Henley. He's on the hunt to find his favorite book after his teacher assigned him and his classmates to bring a favorite book to school to share with the class. He got panicked because he couldn't find his favorite book at the library or at the bookstore. People thought he hated to read but it was just that some books had big words he couldn't understand or that the story went on and on with no end in sight. Finally, his mom's advice planted an idea in him and he discovered where his very favorite book in the whole wide world was.


This picture book was an awesome read! I'm sure many readers can relate. A book about reading and lots of book illustrations! Love it. I read through the story to my daughter and then I flipped through it again slowly pointing out colors and things to teach her. I like Henley's adventures to the library and bookstore especially how helpful the librarian and bookstore owner were. I'm glad this book has children clapped and cheered for books and reading. Love Henley's classroom diversity. I highly recommend everyone to read this book!

xoxo, Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details.

Many thanks to Scholastic for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.

[LaDonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me go on record as saying that when I read this book to myself, I felt it was definitely deserving of 4-4 1/2 stars. But, after sharing it with my students, My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World shot like a rocket to 5+ stars. There are no words to describe the smiles I saw or the laughter I heard as I read Malcolm Mitchell's book. My students loved being introduced to a character, a little older than them, who looked and thought like them. In the words of one of them, "I'm going to write my own book too"...Out of the mouths of babes.

Plus, I must give a nod to Mr. Mitchell because he speaks to the importance of both libraries and bookstores. Henley and those like him in search of their very favorite book can solicit help from their respective librarians or bookstore employees.

Check this book for yourself. I really think that you will enjoy it.

[Shaye Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed a real aloud of this book through virtual B&N Storytime, read by the author, Malcom Mitchell. Not everyone has a very favorite book. But don't forget there's always the option to write your own story. Very engaging and expressive illustrations! I'll review in more detail once I get my hands on a print copy.

For children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!

[Abby Johnson]

This is Scholastic's Lead Read for World Read Aloud Day on Feb. 3. Although I hated to see a child whose librarian could not find him a book he enjoyed, it's a great reminder that kids can write their own stories that they want to see in the world! And to be fair, I am one of those people who generally struggle with book recommendations from others. :)

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Sometimes the best stories can be found inside ourselves.”

Malcolm Mitchell’s My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World introduces readers to Henley and his struggles with reading. Henley tries and tries to read, but he thinks the words and sentences are too long in some books and the pictures have nothing to do “with what’s inside of me” in others. But now Henley needs to bring his favorite book into school to share with his class. He doesn’t have a favorite book! What’s he going to do? Where can Henley turn for help in finding his favorite book in the whole wide world? Mom, of course! :)

I loved the art in this little book. The colors and smiles are so big and BRIGHT and eye-catching. Every page draws you in. My eyes catch on the colorful stack of books, but then move to the blue, blue pool full of smiling faces deeper on the page. These encouraging words and pages keep kids reading. From the piles of books to the mouthful of grapes to the tiles on the floor! I loved it all. And the smiles! The biggest, brightest light in this story his Henley’s smile! I loved his I-found-my-book smile.

A wonderful book that inspires young readers to keep looking for stories they see themselves in. Keep trying and reading!

p.s. I hope you read the author’s “welcome” too. It adds even more inspiration to the tale! I loved this from Mr. Mitchell…

“This was all very important for me to come to believe—that I’m not good or bad because of how I read. I also figured out that comparing my way of reading to other people’s is a waste of time. It’s like comparing my name or my smile with someone else’s. These are the things that make me who I am, and that make me special.”

[Kaethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for my 365 Kids Book challenge. You can see all the books on their own shelf.

Because I do not follow the sports I was previously unaware of Malcolm Mitchell. This is one of those "the cover grabbed my eye" things.

And I am so happy that it did! What a wonderful picture book about representation and the importance of seeing ourselves, and of sharing our invisible struggles with others. I am delighted that Mr. Mitchell shared his story and I hope that kids who need to see themselves will find it, and that those who don't have the same problem will have greater understanding.

Great decision to focus on the aspects of the challenge rather than any diagnosis. Kids who have the same or similar difficulties will have an idea of how to talk about them to adults, which will get them more help sooner.

So, this is me taking back everything bad I ever said about celebrity authors.

Library copy

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malcolm Mitchell, pro athlete and literacy advocate has crafted a story of fun and willing exploration of literature for reluctant readers.
Henley is asked to have a favorite book ready for a school presentation. So he goes to the library and the book store, helped by the equally eager librarian and bookseller, but doesn't find anything that he likes or keeps his interest. Finally, he finds his very favorite book in the whole wide world!
This is a sweet read, full of whimsical illustrations and well-chosen words and perfect for reluctant readers.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

“With a voice as warm as rolls from the oven, mama said, Henley, sometimes the best stories can be found inside ourselves”
Lovely prose.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Henly hates books and mistreates books . To me it flet like a mockery of books and more about giving up on books.

[PH · Rating 2 out of 5]

My 7 yr old made me buy this at the school scholastic book fair. It is almost a waste of money. There is no storyline as such. 85% of the book is author griping about how he hated reading.
There is like a one line moral - if you don't like the books you read then, write one. That's all. Don't recommend it.

[Octavia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could give this book 20 Stars 🌟

O.M.G! This picture book for young readers is Complete Perfection.

Malcolm Mitchell has cutely taking on the task of sharing a story of Henley, a little boy who is unwilling to read.

This story was exactly what I needed at this time. ♥️

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence: Hi! I'm Henley. And this is a story about finding my very favorite book in the whole wide world.

Premise/plot: Reading doesn't come easily or naturally to Henley. He'd be hard-pressed to answer the question "What is your favorite book?" So when that exact question is asked for a homework assignment, he struggles. He visits the library, the bookstore, talks to his parents. But he's got a trick up his sleeve...maybe his favorite book in the whole wide world doesn't exist yet...because he hasn't written it yet.

My thoughts: I liked this one. I didn't love it. I do like that Henley found his voice and authored his own story. There's something cute and adorable about that.

Yet at the same time, I wanted him to have an actual actual favorite book. You don't have to read yourself to have a favorite book. You don't. Plenty of kids have a stack of favorite books that they've only heard read aloud, that they've only "read" by looking at the pictures. His not having a favorite book makes me sad. Sad that he didn't have a favorite book at home already in his room, by his bed, a book part of his routine.

I admit that I may be overthinking this a thousand percent. I do that.

[Sarah Schafer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet picture book to add to our collection!

[Susan Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it’s great everything Malcolm Mitchell is doing to promote reading! (Library)

[Neha Thakkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best kind of story about finding your favorite book! Making readers writers and writers readers. Love this one!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The founder of the literacy campaign called Read with Malcolm and wide receiver shares his own reading journey in this picture book. Digital illustrations relying on Photoshop and textures created with ink and pencil lend a graphic novel effect to the relatable, heartfelt yet humorous story. Henley, the protagonist, struggles with reading because it's hard and he just can't find the right book to keep him engaged. He tries very hard, but some books are just too long while others are better suited as pillows because they are boring. When his teacher asks all the students to bring their favorite book to class, Henley enlists the help of a librarian and book seller, but try as they might, they aren't able to find that just-right book for him. But Henley's mother has a great suggestion: If he cannot find a book that tells his story or appeals to him, why not write and illustrate one? And that's just what he did. Henley's proud to show off his original creation--and read it--to his classmates the next day. It's a lot more work to write a book of your own than to find one that you want to read, but I appreciated this story with its positive message about literacy as well as a more subtle one concerning representation in literature.

[Rainbow Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by Super Bowl Champion and literacy advocate Malcolm Mitchell, this is a beautiful story about a boy named Henley who receives the scariest homework assignment. His teacher wants everyone in class to bring in their very favorite book in the whole wide world, but Henley doesn’t have one.

I’m a huge believer that any child who “doesn’t like reading” just hasn’t found the right book yet, and this book perfectly illustrates that concept.

In My Very Favorite Book In The Whole Wide World, we follow Henley as he searches for his very favorite book. He tries all kinds of books about all kinds of things, but can’t seem to find the right one. I won’t spoil it, but Henley comes up with a creative solution and manages to find his very favorite book in the whole wide world.

The bold illustrations by Michael Robertson are sure to capture the reader’s attention. This book is the perfect choice to inspire reluctant readers that they too will find their very favorite book in the whole wide world.

To learn more about Malcolm Mitchell and the Share The Magic Foundation, be sure to visit ReadWithMalcolm.com.

I would like to thank Orchard Books and Scholastic for providing me with a review copy of this book! It was such a delight!

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[Laura Hook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this sweet story about Henley and his worries and struggles related to reading and finding his favorite book. The illustrations by Michael Robertson really add to the text. I loved the honest words author Malcolm Mitchell shared with readers in his author's note, prior to the story. It will really resonate with many students. I thought of several students I want to go and share this story with!

[Ottilie Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. My Very Favourite Book in the Whole Wide World tells the story of Henley, a little boy who struggles with reading, as he endeavours to complete a homework assignment which requires him to put his struggles aside to find a book he loves. Based on the true story of the author, it is a brilliant way to expose children to a very common difference between kids in classrooms today: dyslexia. Additionally, the book makes use of ethnically diverse character's and highlights the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. I believe it is appropriate for 6+, but would resonate most with those Yr 3 and above!

[Ciera (MB) Mobley]

Text - to - Teaching

In this book, readers see Henely doing other activities but reading. It isn't until his teacher assigns a homework challenging her students to find a book they love and share it with the class. A nervous Henley doesn't have book that relates to him, he then goes to write his own story. As an activity for my classroom, students will gather in pairs and share why or why not they love to read. Next, each group will create a story, just like Henley, including different interests from each student.

[Beth Honeycutt]

I heard Malcolm speak at #ncte21 and couldn’t wait to read his book!

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great addition to read aloud collections that emphasizing the process of finding a great book, as well as becoming a writer.

[Kirsti Call · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is perfect for reluctant readers and sports fans! (Anyone who loves football and the superbowl will want to check this book out since celebrit, Malcolm Mitchell wrote it!)

Malcome manages to use humor and heart to help kids understand that everyone can find their own favorite book.

[Delonna Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reluctant readers often avoid books for the very reasons Henley shares in his story. I love how Henley learns how to share his story and find his favorite book in whole wide world. LOVE LOVE LOVE this story. Malcolm Mitchell is truly a literacy crusader. Excellent book to add to your library or give away as a gift.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

"My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World" is a fantastic book that tells the story of a kid who is searching for the perfect book that will inspire him. Throughout his journey, he realizes that sometimes the best stories are found inside ourselves. I kept wondering the whole book, what's the book going to be? In the end, the author provided a nice twist that wrapped it all up with a nice bow. The author also has a podcast and started "Share the Magic Foundation" that helps kids in his community understand the importance of literacy.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at: https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/mal...

[Andrea Librarian · Rating 2 out of 5]

A boy struggling with reading has to find his favorite book! This was okay. There were a few spots of lexical brilliance, but otherwise it was pretty run of the mill. The illustrations were lovely, but didn't overcome the text which was a bit repetitive and not super attention getting. Give to kids who need a role model when they're struggling to read (otherwise skip it)

[Allie Outhouse · Rating 2 out of 5]

A nice concept but rather than finding a book despite multiple assistants the only book he liked was self made. While cute and encouraging use of books, it basically says self is superior than any form of knowledge or entertainment - which is not a message I like to promote to children or adults.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever come across a child that didn’t enjoy reading? Henley, the protagonist of My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World doesn’t particularly like reading. He’d rather play football or stuff a ton of grapes in his mouth. When his teacher Mrs. Joy assigns the class homework to find ad bring in their most favorite book to share with the class, Henley feels nervous. He doesn’t have a favorite book, in fact reading doesn’t come easy to him. Henley makes a trip to the library and the local bookstore but can’t find his favorite book, and he goes home very frustrated. Henley’s mom comforts him and gives his a fabulous idea- why not write his favorite book rather than trying to find one!

Mitchell’s passion for encouraging childhood literacy comes through clearly in this sweet tale of a boy looking for his favorite book. This book reminds the reader that encouraging reading can be as simple as sitting down and creating the book you can’t find on the library shelves.

My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World is a beautiful book. Illustrated by Michael Robertson, the colors are bold, the style is modern and nearly every character in the book is diverse. I especially appreciate the way Henley’s mom is depicted-I love her afro and the bold hair scarf! My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World is a great way to start to discuss reading with children. Henley reveals that reading is bit difficult for him (but doesn’t go into specifics) and I think it’s a great opportunity to discuss why some kids don’t like to read. Is it because they haven’t found the right story or is something else going on like dyslexia? My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World is a book with a ton of heart and a great example of how representation matters!

[Beth Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

'My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World' is yet another awesome story by literacy crusader, Malcolm Mitchell. Also illustrated by Michael Robertson, the book builds on Mitchell's first picture book, 'The Magician's Hat,' and introduces readers to Henley, a kid who isn't against reading, but has yet to find a book he really loves. He has every reason in the world why reading isn't for him, and wants to do things like stick as many grapes in his mouth as he can, or take naps with the books as his pillow, just to avoid reading them.

One day, his teacher gives him an assignment. They're basically going to do a show and tell, but with books. He is to find his favorite book and tell all of his classmates about it. While visiting the library, the bookshop, and spending time thinking about it doesn't do much to help him, he talks with his mother, and she gives him an idea that he thinks is the best one yet! He teaches his class about how even if you don't know what your perfect or most favorite book is, you sometimes have to look inside of yourself to find what is right for you, and that might even involve writing your own book about your own journeys and dreams.

Mitchell hits the mark again with this invigorating tale of perseverance and engagement with what one finds special. It captures the innocence of not knowing how to move forward and the energy of finding one's vision.

Beth Rodgers, Author of ‘Welcome to Chanu-Con!,’ a Children's Picture Book, and ‘Freshman Fourteen’ and ‘Sweet Fifteen,’ Young Adult Novels

*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*

[Noodlenuts Kids Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with many families, mine is a combination of book lovers and neurodivergence that has occasionally proven to be challenging.

While I'm a proponent of reading TO kids at any age as a way of enjoying stories together, at home or in the classroom, the ability to read independently gives kids choices and the ability to enjoy books on their own ... but it can be particularly daunting for a young child who sees a sibling take easily to reading while it feels like a huge hurdle to them, and can quickly lead to book rejection.

No one understands this challenge better than Malcolm Mitchell, a former Super Bowl winner who was still reading at an elementary level when he started college. And far from a typical "celebrity author", Mitchell has dedicated himself to childhood literacy to give kids what he missed out on.

And I have to tell y'all, you know how picky I am about picture books, but Mitchell's heart and soul absolutely radiate out of "My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World" (2020), the story of Henley, a lovely little boy who just hates to read. And when Henley gets a homework assignment to share his favourite book with his class, it leads him on a path familiar to so many of us, a humourous, heartfelt glimpse into childhood uncertainty, stubbornness, and ultimately a new understanding of how there's space in the world of readers for everyone, but we all get there differently.