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The Best .... to Read
The Best Book to Read
THE LITTLE BOY who loves to read is back, and this time he and his classmates are visiting a big public library! In their signature catchy, rhyming verse, Debbie Bertram and Susan Bloom give readers a taste of the variety of books that can be found at the library. Michael Garland’s bright, graphic illustrations bring to life the array of fantastic and hilarious scenes that can result from finding the best book to read!
32 pages, Paperback
First published June 24, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
February 23, 2016
This is a great book to include in a storytime combined with a library tour. It gives great examples of the types of things kids can find information on at their local library.
June 27, 2010
The rhyming text and the boldly colored pictures make this book about a trip to the library an excellent choice for a read-aloud. You could easily follow-up with a discussion about how each reader defines his/her "best book". Be sure to check out others in the series: The Best Place to Read and The Best Time to Read. Each features the same adorable male bibliophile!
August 19, 2012
This simple rhyming text makes for a fun read aloud for launching the year and talking about books. Debbie Bertram's additional titles follow the pattern and can serve as similar mentor texts for routines re: reading workshop. see: Best Time to Read and The Best Place to Read if you want to share.
August 27, 2008
I really like "The Best Place to Read", but this one not as much. Good for a school visit introduction, though. And, the pictures are bold and colorful.
August 4, 2023
Invite your child to discover the wonders of a public library.
Sure, you could do this by actually taking your child to your nearest public library. Perhaps, as a supplement, you and your child could enjoy this informative, cheery introduction. Sample:
Who has a dog?" the librarian asks.
"Here's a book about being a trainer.
'Sit!' 'Stay!' and 'Play dead!'
'Do not jump on Mom's bed!'
Training dogs will become a no-brainer."
All the rest of the book is well scaled to picture book sense of fun. Moreover, the last line of this book is fabulous. Though no spoiler from me, no no!
FIVE STARS of enthusiasm for authors Debbie Bertram and Susan Bloom; and for artist Michael Garland.
Sure, you could do this by actually taking your child to your nearest public library. Perhaps, as a supplement, you and your child could enjoy this informative, cheery introduction. Sample:
Who has a dog?" the librarian asks.
"Here's a book about being a trainer.
'Sit!' 'Stay!' and 'Play dead!'
'Do not jump on Mom's bed!'
Training dogs will become a no-brainer."
All the rest of the book is well scaled to picture book sense of fun. Moreover, the last line of this book is fabulous. Though no spoiler from me, no no!
FIVE STARS of enthusiasm for authors Debbie Bertram and Susan Bloom; and for artist Michael Garland.
August 20, 2017
A group of school kids takes a class trip to the library where they get their library cards and get to check out a book. The librarian introduces them to all types of books. The book is nice, but not one I need to use throughout the school year. I could during Library Card Month and to teach about the public library though. It would be good before a field trip to the library.
June 26, 2017
This would be a great book to use to kick off a book-a-day project. The illustrations are cute and students always love the rhythm of rhyming books (although some of the rhymes in this book were suspect).
August 30, 2023
It's so easy to fall in love with one genre of books and stay in that genre forever. I love how this book shows that there are so many amazing books out there to read and so many genres to discover.
September 8, 2023
A cute book about story types and some keywords of how to find books in a library. Also touched briefly on due dates and library cards. Perfect for a public library presentation. It could be easily tweaked for a school library.
January 7, 2024
3-4 sentences each page. About students on a library visit. Explores different books the library has, colorful illustrations, walks students through what it would be like to visit a library as a class.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2015
Booklist April 15, 2008 (Vol. 104, No. 16)
Grades K-2. During his class trip to the library, a boy discovers that everyone can find a book that appeals to him or her. The welcoming, enthusiastic librarian encourages browsing; shares some library information (kids here can get their own cards); and booktalks titles about dragon adventures, bugs, and outer space. With so many book options, how can kids choose? Finally, after the students have made their selections, the boy concludes: From page one to the end, a good book is a friend. /Now we all have the best book to read! The rhyming text incorporates a little slang (no-brainer) and the librarian’s peppy, brief intros to imaginary titles (such as Magic Tricks, by Harry Huckster—the boy’s choice). The slick, colorful computer art includes fanciful scenarios inspired by the librarian’s book descriptions.
Horn Book Guide Fall 2008
In this companion to The Best Place to Read and The Best Time to Read, a boy describes his class trip to the library. The singsongy rhymes sometimes stumble. Synthetic-looking digital illustrations feature the kids' fantasies (e.g., they ward off a dragon) as inspired by the librarian's reading suggestions (such as The Days of the Knights by Lance O'Lot).
Kirkus Reviews May 1, 2008
In Bertram and Bloom's rhymed tale, a librarian introduces a troop of youngsters to books on all sorts of subjects--exploration, science, cooking, pets--that the illustrations interpret by transporting a couple of youngsters into a representative scene. The librarian holds up a cookbook by Martha Muffin on the left-hand page; the full-bleed image on the facing page depicts three of the kids baking a cake, and so on. Garland's distinctive artwork is well known by now, with its combination of soft and sharp elements, its cutout feel and subtle warping. The illustrations' good cheer complements the feel-good message well, although the product-placement of his books irks, even if intended as tongue-in-cheek. The uneven text, however, hurts the most, some of it rolling along, some of it an off-beat mouthful: "Here's a book about being a trainer. / 'Sit!' 'Stay!' and 'Play dead!' / 'Do not jump on Mom's bed!' / Training dogs will become a no-brainer." This well-intentioned celebration of reading is not, alas, the best book for the job. (Picture book. 3-7)
Library Media Connection August/September 2008
Librarians looking for books to feature that will add to the depth and breadth of their collections will find that this book fills the bill. The rhyming text is enhanced by the brightly colored, computer-generated illustrations. This will be a great read- aloud, and adults will love the humor in the book titles and covers featured in the illustrations. In the story, a group of children take the bus to a public library where the librarian shows them a wide variety of nonfiction titles and encourages them to find the 'best book to read'. The little boy who loves reading, first introduced in this talented team's The Best Place to Read (Random House Books for Young Readers, 2003), is one of those children. They find books that match their hobbies and interests. Your readers will love the picture on the cover of the main character balancing a really big pile of books. Recommended. Terry Day, Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Teaching and Learning, University of Missouri-St. Louis
School Library Journal August 1, 2013
K-Gr 3-An effervescent librarian welcomes a class, highlights various genres of books along with kid-grabbing titles (about dragon-battling, cake-baking, magic-making, and more), and invites the youngsters to browse. Jaunty rhymes and color-drenched digital illustrations depict a just-right library visit that culminates with a busload of kids who can't wait to get reading. (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
School Library Journal June 1, 2008
K-Gr 3-Welcomed by an enthusiastic librarian, students on a field trip are introduced to many books and genres: "Picture books, chapter books, books that pop up,/nonfiction and fairy tales, too./You may look by yourselves./Take some books from the shelves./Then check out the best book for you." An illustration of the librarian sharing a book faces a picture of kids imagining themselves in a scene from it. For example, the one on space exploration inspires children to imagine themselves in a rocket ship; one about entomology shows them thinking about collecting and studying bugs in the wild. Computer-generated illustrations have clean lines and numerous details that stand out in a 3-D effect. Characters are round-faced and distinctive. Rhyming is effective and natural, and the rhythm, while occasionally forced, moves the story along at a pleasant, steady pace. This will be a teacher/librarian favorite, joining this team's The Best Place to Read (2003) and The Best Time to Read (2005, both Random) and providing many opportunities for discussion.-Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.
Grades K-2. During his class trip to the library, a boy discovers that everyone can find a book that appeals to him or her. The welcoming, enthusiastic librarian encourages browsing; shares some library information (kids here can get their own cards); and booktalks titles about dragon adventures, bugs, and outer space. With so many book options, how can kids choose? Finally, after the students have made their selections, the boy concludes: From page one to the end, a good book is a friend. /Now we all have the best book to read! The rhyming text incorporates a little slang (no-brainer) and the librarian’s peppy, brief intros to imaginary titles (such as Magic Tricks, by Harry Huckster—the boy’s choice). The slick, colorful computer art includes fanciful scenarios inspired by the librarian’s book descriptions.
Horn Book Guide Fall 2008
In this companion to The Best Place to Read and The Best Time to Read, a boy describes his class trip to the library. The singsongy rhymes sometimes stumble. Synthetic-looking digital illustrations feature the kids' fantasies (e.g., they ward off a dragon) as inspired by the librarian's reading suggestions (such as The Days of the Knights by Lance O'Lot).
Kirkus Reviews May 1, 2008
In Bertram and Bloom's rhymed tale, a librarian introduces a troop of youngsters to books on all sorts of subjects--exploration, science, cooking, pets--that the illustrations interpret by transporting a couple of youngsters into a representative scene. The librarian holds up a cookbook by Martha Muffin on the left-hand page; the full-bleed image on the facing page depicts three of the kids baking a cake, and so on. Garland's distinctive artwork is well known by now, with its combination of soft and sharp elements, its cutout feel and subtle warping. The illustrations' good cheer complements the feel-good message well, although the product-placement of his books irks, even if intended as tongue-in-cheek. The uneven text, however, hurts the most, some of it rolling along, some of it an off-beat mouthful: "Here's a book about being a trainer. / 'Sit!' 'Stay!' and 'Play dead!' / 'Do not jump on Mom's bed!' / Training dogs will become a no-brainer." This well-intentioned celebration of reading is not, alas, the best book for the job. (Picture book. 3-7)
Library Media Connection August/September 2008
Librarians looking for books to feature that will add to the depth and breadth of their collections will find that this book fills the bill. The rhyming text is enhanced by the brightly colored, computer-generated illustrations. This will be a great read- aloud, and adults will love the humor in the book titles and covers featured in the illustrations. In the story, a group of children take the bus to a public library where the librarian shows them a wide variety of nonfiction titles and encourages them to find the 'best book to read'. The little boy who loves reading, first introduced in this talented team's The Best Place to Read (Random House Books for Young Readers, 2003), is one of those children. They find books that match their hobbies and interests. Your readers will love the picture on the cover of the main character balancing a really big pile of books. Recommended. Terry Day, Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Teaching and Learning, University of Missouri-St. Louis
School Library Journal August 1, 2013
K-Gr 3-An effervescent librarian welcomes a class, highlights various genres of books along with kid-grabbing titles (about dragon-battling, cake-baking, magic-making, and more), and invites the youngsters to browse. Jaunty rhymes and color-drenched digital illustrations depict a just-right library visit that culminates with a busload of kids who can't wait to get reading. (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
School Library Journal June 1, 2008
K-Gr 3-Welcomed by an enthusiastic librarian, students on a field trip are introduced to many books and genres: "Picture books, chapter books, books that pop up,/nonfiction and fairy tales, too./You may look by yourselves./Take some books from the shelves./Then check out the best book for you." An illustration of the librarian sharing a book faces a picture of kids imagining themselves in a scene from it. For example, the one on space exploration inspires children to imagine themselves in a rocket ship; one about entomology shows them thinking about collecting and studying bugs in the wild. Computer-generated illustrations have clean lines and numerous details that stand out in a 3-D effect. Characters are round-faced and distinctive. Rhyming is effective and natural, and the rhythm, while occasionally forced, moves the story along at a pleasant, steady pace. This will be a teacher/librarian favorite, joining this team's The Best Place to Read (2003) and The Best Time to Read (2005, both Random) and providing many opportunities for discussion.-Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2020
The text and rhyme scheme feels a little too simple, but it has a good enthusiasm for books and libraries. May be a good starting point for introducing different types of books including non-fiction.
August 26, 2021
The title is misleading.
May 12, 2022
Reading Storytime
Would work well for a library field trip.
Would work well for a library field trip.
March 2, 2017
I'm not a fan of the illustration style.
February 9, 2022
Great for a library read aloud!
April 13, 2013
This is an excellent book to motivate children to read. It uses the author's craft of rhyme as well. It motivates children to become excited about reading and to know that there are books available for them to read based on any subject of interest, hobby, how-to books, etc. This book would also be helpful to read to your students and or children before going to the library for the first time, it talks about the process of getting a library card, checking books out, and returning them. Awesome book!!!!
March 20, 2013
On a field trip to the library, the little boy who loves to read and his classmates are in search of the best book to read. I think this book encourages readers to obtain self-selected literature for daily reading or sharing with the class. Moving from the story, student's in the classroom could research for what they think is the best book, give reasons why and then have a class vote that narrows down the top four, and then from those four you can pick a final "best book."
August 23, 2013
This is a beautifully written rhyming story about children who go to the library with their teacher and learn about all of the many kinds of books there are to read. The librarian shows the children that the world comes alive through books and that the library is a great place to find them.
The pictures are very colorful and large which make the book easy to read to groups of children.
The pictures are very colorful and large which make the book easy to read to groups of children.
August 21, 2014
I personally enjoyed this book because when you think of going to the library and reading, most of the time people turn their heads or walk away. This book touched on different kinds of books kids would be interested in and it made me want to get up and go find another book to read! I found this book to be motivational and interesting.
August 30, 2014
I think this book is useful for helping children to find books they are interested in. The book describes the various types of types of books, and introduced with lively way. So the children would feel interesting about go to the library. Also briefly introduce about the process with borrow books in the library.
October 2, 2010
I kind of hate reading aloud books that rhyme (especially when, like with this one, the rhyme feels forced at times), but I will be using The Best Book to Read with some of my elementary school kids as a welcome to the library.
November 30, 2011
Cute illustrations but not a great book for story time. I suppose it would be fine if you were a teacher trying to show kids a little about going to the library but not really for home use. Definitely not a book that held my kids' attention.
January 28, 2012
A young boy and his class are invited to the local library. The librarian introduces them to a variety of genres, in order to match each student with the best book for them.
The rhyming text adds interest to this story.
The rhyming text adds interest to this story.
November 4, 2014
A good book that demonstrates libraries are a place for children to explore lots of topics through its variety of books. However, the story focuses on showcasing the many subjects of books in the library rather than developing a plot which might lose some reader's attention.
September 6, 2017
This rather reminds me of the tours I present when I have a group of kids come to my library. But I do a better job. :) And I'm not sure when I would ever have cause to read this book to kids, since it really isn't much of an actual story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2016
Fun book for early readers. It encourages children to find books about their interests. Good ideas. Simple rhymes and great illustrations.
I might donate it to a local elementary school after reading it with my grandkids.
I might donate it to a local elementary school after reading it with my grandkids.
July 2, 2008
Good book about a library visit and all of the books that you can find. Rhyming, would be a good book for preschool/kindergarten storytime.
July 31, 2008
may be option for tour groups visiting the library. tells about a class and what different types of books they may check out.
August 9, 2008
This is a good book for library instruction, so it could be used for school visits, but it's otherwise not something I'd use for storytime, unlike The Best Place to Read by the same author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews