Join a very brave girl and her furry friends on an adventure to Read Island! Through the power of imagination and the pleasure of reading, this curious trio set sail for a magical island made of books. On their way they discover a joyful collection of animals converging by sea and land, just in time for an unforgettable story hour. A rhyming celebration of nature, books and the importance of stories, Read Island invites you to experience the diversity and wonder of a hidden and wild place. In the company of sea wolves, humpback whales and spirit bears, readers will discover simple meditations that summon a magical destination - one filled with beloved friends, safe spaces and stories to be revisited again and again. For make-believe though it may look, There is an island made of books. This world of stories, safe and true, Is always here to welcome you. "I highly recommend this charming and heartwarming rhyming story about the power and magic of books! The beautiful cut-paper collage style illustrations feature an array of forest and ocean animals who are traveling to Read Island for story time. This book will delight any child who loves nature, reading, and adventure." - Jen Pace Dickenson , Polk County Public Libraries "Nothing pleases a librarian who reads to children daily more than a good rhyming book, except perhaps a good rhyming book about the love of reading. You certainly nailed it on both counts. The verse flows beautifully and is fun and engaging. The text is descriptive and leaves plenty of room for the imagination. Alice's illustrations seem to capture Nicole's words perfectly. I love that all the animals represented are indigenous to the story area. I can imagine many opportunities for extension in a story time or classroom with the animal characters as well. A great story that starts further discussion." - Cricket Pylman , Vail Public Library "Unite book-loving animals, high-seas adventure, and gorgeous, innovative illustrations and you arrive at Read Island. Join them, be transported there, simply by beginning a story. Nicole Magistro and Alice Feagan have created a beautiful vessel for parents and children to understand, discuss, and celebrate the magic of reading." - Heather Mateus Sappenfield , author of The River Between Hearts "A captivating and beautifully illustrated read-along that has all the makings of an instant classic, Read Island is the perfect example of a picture book that will invite repeat visits long after readers have 'aged out' of the text." - 5 out of 5 by James Weiskittel, IndieReader "Immersive ... A beautifully illustrated children's poem about the joys of reading." -The Kirkus Review The real Read Island is our family's favorite place to visit every summer. During the pandemic we couldn't travel to Canada, except in our imaginations. Through meditation, my 9-year-old son and I "visited" as often as we could, and during one of these mental journeys, the symbolism of the place name became the story. It was a lightbulb moment - books can take you anywhere! Nicole Magistro is a professional reader and amateur mother who lives in the mountains of Colorado. She owned a bookstore for 15 years, wrote thousands of book reviews and memorized a few too many bedtime stories. Her favorite place in the world is the real Read Island, which inspired this story. Alice Feagan is a children's book creator known for her distinct cut-paper collage style in The Collectors and School Days Around the World . Her lifelong love of storytelling and art making led her to the world of picture books where she creates playful illustrations for children's books, magazines, apps, educational products, and games. When she is not making picture books, Alice can be found reading them with her two young sons. She lives in Edwards, Colorado and responsible for all of the art within these pages.
