The Horn Book Guide

PICTURE BOOKS

Van Biesen, Koen

Roger Is Reading a Book

40 pp. | Eerdmans | March, 2015 | Trade ISBN 978-0-8028-5442-1 $16.00

(2) K-3 Translated by Laura Watkinson. "Quiet. Roger is reading." A disturbing "BOING BOING" emanates from the other side of his cozy apartment's wall as next-door-neighbor-girl Emily bounces her ball. Roger retaliates, banging on the wall; noise amps up while neighborliness dissipates. Ultimately Roger gives Emily her own book. Showcased on white or off-white backgrounds, the illustrations feature bursts of patchy color and abstract linework that artistically depict sound.

Reviewer: Julie Roach | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2015