It’s the holidays, and one little girl has been given the most enormous, unreasonable and impossible task… to read a whole book, there’s just one problem. She hates books. Or does she?

Soon enough, she finds herself tumbling into a storybook world so magical, it ignites a new passion that will last forever…

Published 29 February 2024, by Frances Lincoln

NOMINATED ― Yoto Carnegie Medal for Illustration 2025

LONGLISTED ― World Illustration Awards 2024

LONGLISTED ― 'UK Literacy Association' Picture Book Award 2025

Available in hardback & paperback / Translated to 18 languages

REVIEWS


'Inspiring and entertaining story […] a witty treat from start to finish’
― Mail on Sunday

'This award-winning author and illustrator is on top form.’ ― Express Digest

‘A little girl who says she hates books is encouraged to pick one up at the library and is thrust into a series of brightly hued adventures, with a mysterious masked creature transporting her to magical forests, a witch’s cottage and more. This heroine is enchanting, as are the worlds she finds herself in, and Ilustrajo has a charming and convincing message about the joy of getting lost in a good book.’ ― The Bookseller – Editor's Choice

“This charming and engaging picture book shows children how wonderful books can really be, leaving them with a lifelong affinity for reading.” ― ReadingZone

“heartwarming story that shows us how the power of a good book can open up the world of reading and the many worlds we can encounter within them.” ― JustImagine

“A magical tale perfect for encouraging a love of literature in little ones.” ― Waterstones

"Readers are sure to fall under the spell of Ilustrajo’s story ... a book that is sure to inspire a love of reading in anyone who has the privilege of reading it." ― CLDC

Previous
Previous

Lost

Next
Next

Oh, carrots!