In a Nutshell: Good intent, but the execution lacks punch. Has some abstract ideas that aren’t effectively coming across on paper. Mixed feelings.

Plot Preview:
A little girl is eagerly looking forward to the summer vacation for various reasons, but the most important one is NO more reading! She hates books, you see. So when the teacher tells the kids to read a book during the holidays, she is furious. However, when she opens the library book her mom got for her, she opens it reluctantly, only to find a magical adventure awaiting her.

I love the intent of this book. As bibliophiles, we cannot fathom the idea that someone can dislike the hobby of reading. So the concept of a book that aims to motivate children towards reading is great. Then again, book-hating children will still need to be motivated towards this book – a self-defeating task.

While the intention is wonderful, the execution left me somewhat unimpressed. (I grabbed my two not-so-little-anymore inhouse readers to share their opinion about this book, and they felt the same.) The main problem is that the story isn’t gripping.

The book is a crossover between a picture book and a comic, with some pages containing full-page art with a couple of lines of text, and some pages like a comic book, with multiple panels and text-bubble conversations. The book is aimed at readers aged 3-6, but the content might work only for the upper of that age range.

The plot is focussed only towards adventure books but there are so many other types of wonderful books for kids. Not every child likes adventure stories, after all. There is also a little belittling of fairy tales. Every genre has a role to play, and many children enjoy fairy tales, so I would have appreciated a more open-minded approach. Any book that seeks to encourage reading shouldn’t look down upon any type of good content.

The adventurous journey that the unnamed main character undertakes in the book has its moments of fun and danger, with talking animals and dragons and a magical spell popping in. But it also is too rushed, covering multiple events within just a few lines. The titular “spell” is not that impressive, with barely any magic in it. The animal accompanying the girl on her bookish adventure is never introduced. (I am still trying to figure out what creature it was – a fox or a rabbit or something else altogether?)

The colour-pencil illustrations are good. They are in a somewhat monochromatic palette outside the book world, while inside the book is full of colours – a great artistic choice. I also loved the illustrations of the books in the library and the wonders pouring out of them.

The typeface is quite interesting. There are three distinct scripts used: a CAPS scribble-styled lettering for the dialogues outside the book, the same scribble in proper case when the girl speaks inside the book adventure, and a third sans-serif typeface for the animal’s dialogues. I am not sure how I feel about the variety of fonts in a single story, and I wonder how many children will even realise the existence of the varied styles, forget about realising why.

The ending does not go the typical way. The girl doesn’t convert into an instant book lover, but goes to the library to check out another book to see if her experience was a one-off. An unusual writing choice, and much more believable than seeing a reluctant reader convert into an instant book lover.

All in all, I hope this story aims to motivate reluctant readers towards the wonder of books, but it could have done much better. With no WOW factor, it did not hold the attention of my two daughters and myself, which is so ironic considering we love books and everything about books. I am not sure how effective it would be to make readers out of hesitant book pickers. Full points for the intent, though.

2.75 stars.

My thanks to Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Spell of a Story”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

The Spell Of A Story by Mariajo Ilustrajo is a wonderful beautifully illustrated story that had me hooked to the point where I read this multiple times. I too remember when I originally fell under the power of a book and become a life long reader all because my dad recommended a book to me. The life cycle of a reader continued when I handed my nephew his first book and when I, my dad & my nephew get together we swap book recommendations or even the books themselves.

A super sweet story about discovering the magic of a story and the joy of reading, although it felt like the text was lacking a bit more oomph. I think it needed to flesh out the journey into the book a little more and make that side of the story more clear to get the message across better. The illustrations were gorgeous though!

As a child, I wasn't allowed to watch TV on school nights. Playing with my siblings and reading a book were often my only two choices. While I resented my mom for this completely UNFAIR rule, it's what actually started my absolute love of reading. The same is mostly true for the girl in this book. In "The Spell of a Story", it's finally summer and the teacher has just reminded them to read over the summer. But she hates reading. Her mom decides to take her to the library but none of the books are worth her time. Her mom suggests one she read as a kid and though she's reluctant, the girl agrees to check the book out. Once home and a bit into the book she starts to realize the magic of a story; it can take you to new places, make you feel things, and help you learn.

The illustrations in this book were colorful, creative, and detailed. Though there were lots of colors used, they were all relatively muted, which made me think about some of my current students who have a difficult time with the amount of stimulation throughout the day. Often, bright colors are a trigger for them, so the book could be a great option for students who commonly feel overwhelmed with stimuli in the school setting.

This book spoke to my childhood heart because of the similarities it presented between my life and the main character's life. You know it's a well written book when it makes you feel are warm inside, and this book did just that! I highly recommend this book and can't wait to get my own copy to put on my classroom bookshelf!

"Even the grayscale world starts to fill with color as she is carried away in the story. A little fennec fox leads her to meet fairytale witches and creatures as they find ingredients to cast a special spell at the end of her book."

This is a beautiful book with beautiful story. Recommended for kids and adult as well.

Do you remember your very first book? The first you read on your own? I'd like to say I do but I honestly don't. I'm pretty sure it probably had a horse on the cover, though. Let's just say there was a reason I went through my grandfather's stash of Louis L'Amour books at an early age and spent my make-believe time pretending to be a horse. Grin.

This book is absolutely adorable. Magical even, with the illustrations gradually becoming more and more colorful as the little girl becomes more and more immersed in the book her big sister helps her choose. Reluctantly choose, I'll note, as she's sure she hates reading. And, don't forget to check out the book shelves in the photos. I'm just saying....

Bottom line, this one should be a must on any parent or teacher's shelf. The words flow and the artwork is well-done, capturing the spirit of the story as it goes along. I liked the simple yet distinctive artwork and use of expressions and color to convey what we gain from reading. Pay attention to the font/script, too, as it adds to the fun. Lucky for me, I don't recall a time when books weren't a part of my life, even when I was of an age to hold them upside-down, so I'm all for more books about books and how they can change our outlook and worlds. Thanks #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup - #FrancesLincolnChildren'sBooks for reminding me of the delightful gift my book loving family gifted me.

I loved this book from start to finish. It was such a nice little read, full of quirky pictures that reminded me of Roald Dahl's work - aaaaahhh, there you are, signs of a blessed childhood.

It's perfect for kids who haven't found their "it" book yet, but also for parents or preschool teachers who want to read it to their kids. Funny, cute, short, and full of action and adventures in just a few pages, it shows exactly what we as readers know: there's not a person alive that hates reading, or is just not into it. It's just that they haven't found the book that will enchant them enough to get started on such a magnificent journey, and introduce them to what is honestly the best hobby there is.

Books are like soulmates - there's one for everyone, that perfect story that will bewitch you and turn you into a reader. No matter the genre. No matter the story. That's how their magic works.

This one is definitely getting into my TOP '24 READS LIST!

***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***

This book is absolutely adorable and will resonate with all readers no matter your age. The illustrations were beautiful and really enhanced the story. I liked that although this book is very short, the story and message were both clear and easy to understand. There isn't much text on each page which allows you to really immerse yourself in the illustrations.

Overall this is a great book and would be the perfect way to get children into reading!

No wonder this book got an award! I enjoyed the story at the premise. How cool that someone can slide to another worldd just by reading a book. I think that's what happens to kids who reads books. The book is very engaging and encouraging to children who are not readers.

Mariajo Illustrajo is immensely talented and her third book could very well be her best yet, although I have to admit I get the same feeling every time I finish any of her books.

The fact that she also illustrates her stories just allows us to immerse ourselves in her incredible story building abilities and enjoy her vision fully. This book is now published as I Hate (crossed out) Love Books and the children in my library have absolutely adored it since it arrived. And it's not very often you get such enthusiastic reactions for both story and pictures, we have all become huge fan of hers.

The story is about a girl who has been told by her teacher that she needs to read a book over the summer holidays. Initially she is flat out negative and in despair so follows her mother to the local library and very reluctantly follows her mother's advice and chooses a book to take home. And then gets absolutely hooked by the story and cannot put the book down. Through crazy adventures and beautiful pictures, Illustrajo highlights the magic that awaits us all when we lose ourselves in the pages of a book and how we can create whole worlds in our heads without ever moving from where we are.

Mariajo Illustrajo deserves all the praise and I can't wait what else she has in store for us in the future. This book is definitely librarian approved!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my review copy, all opinions are my own.

I was initially a bit put off by the muted style of the first few pages of illustrations, but I liked the main character's personality and then the magic happens; it's a great book about learning to love books and reading. A whole new world of adventures to experience. Great message and enchanting visuals after all!

Reminded me of why I love to read. Dynamic typography and colouring. Engaging artwork. Well-paced. Creative writing flows nicely. Subtly magical. Relatable characters. Overall, a great read.

What a cute, beautiful book! “The Spell of a Story” was an excellent. You witness the transformation of a reluctant reader who falls under the spell of reading a good book. As a book lover, perhaps it may be difficult to relate to someone who doesn’t yet enjoy reading, but wait for it! Because you’ll love witnessing how mesmerized she becomes due to the magic of reading. I honestly feel like reading is a magical experience and absolutely love seeing the literary world through our protagonists eyes.

I hope that this will engage many new readers!

Five stars. Simply enchanting!

[Note: full review to come at time of publication.]

The Spell of a Story is about a child who thinks books are boring. When she begins reading a book her mother read as a child, she quickly finds herself immersed in the adventures she is reading about. I thought this was a sweet picture book that can help reluctant readers discover the power of stories and reading.

This book would be great for reluctant readers. I hope that everyone is able to find a book that gives them the joy of reading.

Thank you Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books for the wonderful ARC in exchange of an honest review.

*Winner of the Klaus Flugge Prize for Illustration 2023*

The spell of a story starts with last day of the school. The teacher gives assignment to everyone to read a book. But the little girl doesn't like to, she actually hates reading. Going home she whines about the unreasonable task they are asked to complete. Her sister takes her to library to find a book which she might enjoy.

That turns out to be a total surprise as she starts enjoying reading. Once immersed, she imagines everything and more that is written in book. That starts a journey of a reader.

Ain't that journey of every reader?? I remembered my days of school. I used to ask for extra assignments if that meant I could read more. I had my board exams and here I was reading a novel in my mother tongue.

This book made me so nostalgic and I loved it. Highly recommended to emblem that habit of reading in your kids.

This book is about a child who dreads reading and the power of reading and stories. I cannot tell how much my child and I cherished this book. It is witty, heartwarming, cute and has a nice pacing and buildup. The characters are relatable. The artwork is a great match for this book and very unique. I highly recommending this to all readers, and especially to those who are afraid of reading.

I fully enjoyed this book, and my daughter (8) just kept giving me the evil eye because she is the main character of this story. I am trying so hard to get her into reading and I know once I find the right book it will click. This also made my heart smile, because as a librarian, my job is to hopefully bring magic and help that child find the book that clicks with them and unlocks this amazing world of reading.

How to go from disliking reading to becoming a bibliomaniac by finding JUST the right book!
The illustrations by the author are imaginative, colorful, and delightful and FUN!
Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, hospital, or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books | Frances Lincoln Children's Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Pub Date 04 Jun 2024

What a gorgeous tale of a child finding 'their' book. This will resonate with many adults and children who have ever struggled to find something to read. The use of colour in the book is very clever and enhances the developing feelings and emotions throughout the story. I can't wait to buy my own copy to share with my class.
Highly recommended!