From CoastWeekend’s Bookmonger by columnist Barbara Lloyd McMichael:

. . .Ellie makes the mistake of opining that reading is boring — right in front of the school librarian, Ms. Molly.

In the blink of an eye and the ominous shivering of a potted plant, kindly Ms. Molly momentarily turns tall and terrible, and casts an enchantment upon Ellie: that she will fall into a deep read forevermore.

Sure enough, Ellie is mysteriously captivated by the next book she sets eyes upon, and from then on Gabe cannot convince her to do anything besides read, read, read. His friend’s fixation with books becomes so pronounced that even the mayor shows up, with a news truck not far behind, to address the situation.

It appears that only one person can help Ellie snap out of her reading trance — and that’s Gabe — but can he deliver the cure without succumbing to the curse?

With colorful illustrations by Mary Grace Corpus, “Reading Beauty” demonstrates that there are books on every topic under the sun, and promises that even kids who profess not to like books can wind up finding something fun to read.

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From www.readingpowergear.com, written by Adrienne Gear, a writer, elementary school teacher, and blogger based in Vancouver, Canada:

WOW!  So SO LOVE this whimsical, creative twisted fairy tale with its message that even the most reluctant reader can find a book that will capture them! . . .

Deeper and deeper Ellie falls under the enchanted spell of books.  How good is this book?  Can you stand it?  This is one of those books that makes me think, “Why didn’t I write this?”

Read the whole review–and more reviews of great new picture books–by clicking HERE.  Thank you, Adrienne!

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From book reviewer Susan Costner at The Fairview Review:

The author has taken her love of fairy tales, books, and young readers and woven them together into a magical story of children finding the helpful adult and perfect book to transform them into lifelong readers. Being able to rescue the beauty without having to resort to anything gross like a kiss (Ewwww! as middle graders would say), is a feat of prestidigitation all on its own. The illustrator’s depiction of Ellie under the spell shows her glasses filled with an hypnotic swirl that reinforces the pull that the books have over her. And the spread showing Gabe trying to reach Ellie resembles the piles of artifacts within the Room of Requirements at Hogwarts. (After all, a library is the closest thing most Muggles have to such a room.)

Highly recommended as a read-aloud, or a gift for readers who enjoy stories about the power of books and the retelling of classic tales with updated details.

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From an Amazon customer review:

Such a cute story! In our house, my kids love to read and totally understood being in a ‘deep read. It is a gender neutral book, with no reference to princesses (yay!) And a lovely boy-girl friendship based on their love of gum and dislike of reading. A lot of fun to read-particularly if you ham up Ms. Molly’s part.

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From a Barnes & Noble customer review:

Reading Beauty is a whimsical and creative take on classic fairy tales, destined to become a favorite of librarians and book-lovers (those who have experienced, like Ellie, the enchantment of a deep read). The characters are likable, the plot moves at a good clip, and the artwork is lively and full of humorous details. Adult book-lovers will enjoy examining the spines and covers of tumbled books pictured throughout, searching for titles they recognize. The ending is satisfying, but leaves some room for wonder.

I especially appreciated the underlying message of Reading Beauty: that even the most self-avowed reading-haters can find a book that will captivate them and draw them into a deep read.