New fear unlocked: what if my kid does not naturally like reading books? The Spell of a Story is as much a parenting lesson as it is a beautiful story about kids falling in love with stories for the first time. As they say, if you are not a reader, you just haven't found the right book yet"

I loved this book - as someone who always found solace in books as a child, it was so heartwarming to see this story (illustrations are a big Win!)

The Spell of a Story by Mariajo Illustrajo is the story of a young girl who is rejoicing in her last day of school and a summer with no books when her teacher announces that they are expected to read one book that summer. Her mother takes her to the library and recommends a book that she enjoyed at the same age. When the little girl begins the book she finds herself changed by the spell of a story. This is an engaging tale with charming illustrations and extra dialog to read. This would be a great book to read to reluctant readers. It might not sell them on reading but could be a launching point to further discussion on the subject. I would definitely read this book to my neice. I am voluntarily writing this honest review after reading an advanced complementary copy of this book thanks to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books.

An absolute gem of a children’s book.

This is the story of falling in love with reading and the “spell” of being drawn into the pages of a book. The art style is fitting and approachable, and so very cute. I adored how the story captures the inevitable draw and sparkle of reading, and how one simple book is all it takes to launch a child’s reading habit. And above all, this is inspiring for parents and children, and a great option for “reading time” or family bonding, especially for the reluctant child.

I work with children and can see this doing well, especially as part of a “reach out and read” or similar program.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this eARC.

The Spell of a Story
by Mariajo Ilustrajo
I am glad the author changed the title of the book, the spell of a story is part of the story. A summer assignment of reading had a problematic history with students. It helps continue practices and learning through out the year, tempering the loss of learning during the break. The connections that children and their family can make is important. Allowing the students to pick the book is helpful. This book shows with the right book Children can make a connection. Providing a suggestion, but not limitation book list may help students.

The Spell of a Story is about a child who is finally off for summer vacation, but must read a book... and she hates reading books.

This is an enchanting story about how the right book can change your whole outlook and reading can be fun. If you have a child who struggles to read, or won't give reading a chance dor whatever reason, then this book is for you. I absolutely loved this and it is so relevant to younger kiddos. I cannot wait to purchase this once it is released because it will be a frequent read in our house.

Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

The Spell of a Story may be one of my new favorite children's books. It features a child who is so disappointed that their teacher suggested reading a book over the summer. They go to the library and their mom chooses a book she had read as a kid. Once the child begins reading, they are captivated and their world transforms into the world of the story. Just like many humans, they read and read until they finish and couldn't put the book down the whole time. Books that promote literacy are so so important for our children today, and The Spell of a Story is sure to put a spell on many kids out there!

Fabulous! What a brilliant book to encourage readers to get reading and to use the library!
The illustrations are beautiful, of course they are, they are by Mariajo Ilustrajo and the story is a delight, I will be recommending this families far and wide.

This book managed to make me feel the exact way I did when I was ten and hiding under the covers reading books. I loved it!

Enchanting! This beautifully written and illustrated book weaves a tale of a young reluctant reader forced to read a book during a school break. At first resistant, the narrative brilliantly captures the transformative power of books, reminiscent of the magical allure of captivating stories. Much like the little girl in the story who initially despises reading, the illustrations cleverly shift from monotone to vibrant colours as she gets lost in the enchanting world of a book. This delightful read is not only perfect for the hesitant reader but also a heart-warming reminder of the joy that stories bring to our lives. Perfect for the classroom as a launchpad for a wider discussion. ARC kindly provided by Quarto Publishing, and all opinions are my own.

As a retired children’s librarian, I enjoy any book which encourages reading. The illustrations do an excellent job of showing a young girl changing from hating books to being an enthusiastic reader. I’ve seen the right book at the right time creating a child who devours book after book. Bravo!

the Spell of a Story was a beautiful book about how fun reading can be! I loved all of the enchanted illustrations and the story was a great adventure.

Wow, this is a stunningly written and illustrated book, almost cinematic, that writes about the spell of a story. This is to say, why do books entrance us so much? The story is about a young student who is FORCED to read A BOOK during school break and does NOT want to READ A BOOK. But the books, to be short, win the battle. Well, I am very much a reader and the books have absolutely won me over. This book is a delightful read for the hesitant reader and will be loved by those of us in love with books.

A beautiful book about a young girl who doesn't like to read but ends up loving reading. It is a cosy book with beautiful illustrations.

I absolutely loved this book! It is the story about a little girl who does not like to read books. When she is told to read a book in the summer, she is annoyed. But when she starts reading, she gets lost in a different world, representing what reading feels like. I loved how the colors of the illustrations were monotone but it suddenly turned colorful when she started reading and got lost in another universe of the story. Beautiful book!

I read this to my curious 5 year old that is just at the cusp of learning to read. He was very engaged with the illustrations on each page, they are beautifully done. He and my older child (and myself) always love adventure style pages that allow us to pause and trace a map or find interesting objects like in the forest pages.

I feel blessed that I was taught to love stories and reading from an early age. My granny used to read to me when I was a kid, I still remember that so fondly. I always loved reading. I’d love for everyone to find the same joy in reading as I do.

But I guess sometimes it takes some convincing. Like for the little girl in the story. She HATES reading. Now she has to read a whole book, and that while on summer vacations? A nightmare. Luckily she has a sister who knows how to help her…

This was actually really cute. I loved how the colours changed, the more intrigued she became with books and stories. So yeah, it was quite a cute read. Hopefully it will help some little boys and girls to become book dragons 🐉❤️

Published 04 Jun 2024 by Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, Frances Lincoln Children's Books

ARC kindly provided by Quarto Publishing. All opinions are my own.