Roger is Reading a Book

Roger is Reading a Book serves as an example of illustration outpacing text. Van Biesen's color palette is somehow familiar but unexpected in a picture book, almost Edward Hopper-esque, but his sketchy, expressive style is uniquely his own. The inventive illustrations both quickly convey plot elements and encourage lingering examination. Design value is high. Onomatopoeia is used in a delightful manner, but the remainder of the text falls flat. It's certainly not offensively bad, and its stilted quality is understandable within the context of an early-reader, but it reminds one of Dick and Jane. Perhaps something is lost in translation. Roger is Reading a Book may have been better off as a near-wordless book, with only the sound effects show more written out. I could have done without the final illustration of the urinating dog, if only because it seems extraneous to the plot and throws off the pacing of the story. show less

Roger is Reading a Book is a cute story suited for beginning readers. The text offers a repetitiveness that helps to build word recognition for children. I especially enjoyed the fun illustrations. They were unique and not something you see in most children's books.

I do feel the story lacked meat even for a picture book. It moves at a rapid pace, but I would have loved to see more hijinks (and more Basset Hound!) I also wasn't a fan of the words Baf and Pok to demonstrate the sounds Emily was making while being disruptive. I think these would be confusing for young children who are still working on learning the rules of reading. Perhaps something onomatopoetic would have been a better choice or at least spell them in a way that is show more easier to decode (baff, pock). show less

I hope they get a cover picture on here soon, because the art is the thing in this book. Also great conflict resolution and fun noises to read aloud. A combination of playing with typefaces, collage and sketch that makes me think of contour drawings -- great motion and funny interactions. Excellent book about being a good neighbor.

This is a nice story, with endearing characters who I enjoyed spending a little time with. The line drawings are quirky in a good way, and add to the story. The words are simple and will be easy for beginning readers to tackle, but the pacing and the story itself, about a man who chooses to share his love of reading rather than get upset with the noise of an active little girl, elevate it well beyond your typical early reader book.

"Shhhh! Quiet. Roger is reading. Roger is reading a book." Reading lovers around the world know exactly what Roger goes through in "Roger is Reading a Book." We have all clamored for peace and quiet, only to be denied this refuge because of ringing phones, singing children or barking dogs. Koen Van Diesen cleverly presents Rogers conundrum as well as his brilliant solution. The illustrations are done in a unique, stringy style which is both beautiful and a little disorienting. Amusing and repetitive text with onomatopoeia words will make this a great read-aloud.

'Roger is Reading a Book' is a great story. The illustrations are vibrant and funny, especially because you don't notice all the detail at first. Your eye goes straight to the two main characters. However, when you spend more time examining the images you see that the dog's facial expression, collection of toys, and even Roger's lamp change to reflect the mood and actions of the main characters.

This book is perfect for read-aloud as it has repetition and great examples of onomatopoeia, such as 'BAF BAF BAF' when Emily is using her boxing gloves.

The story progresses satisfactorily and ends with a very cute conclusion. Overall I would recommend this book to beginning readers, early childhood teachers, and parents looking for a bedtime story.

I am an elementary teacher and was happy to receive this book as an early reviewer. The text is simplistic and repetitive which is perfect for little ones listening to a book and to young children learning to read. The illustrations are humorous with a predictable layout. Emily is on the left page and Roger on the right. I love the dog! His reaction is a story within itself --although lifting his leg on a light pole at the end could have been left out. The illustrations also show movement, like when Roger seems to jump or fall apart from the noise. The story has a nice, but somewhat expected ending.