I have always loved books. As a child, I was a voracious reader. I still love reading and spend a lot of my day reading aloud to my two young children. I thoroughly believe in the power of reading, and I am thrilled that my daughter has taken to reading on her own as fast as she has. My toddler son also loves flipping through the pages of book and looking at the pictures while he pretends to read. When recently offered the chance to review The Highest Mountain of Books in the World written and illustrated by Rocio Bonilla in exchange for my honest opinion, I eagerly accepted the opportunity to add a new title to my home library. The 42-page hardback book currently costs $16.99 on Amazon.
Author/Illustrator
Author and illustrator Rocio Bonilla graduated from the University of Barcelona and received a CAP in pedagogy. She began her career through various disciplines such as painting, mural painting, photography, pedagogy, and advertising. In 2010, she entered the editorial field and combined the illustration of children’s albums with the painting of murals. As an illustrator, she has published several works in magazines such as El Mueble, Acosta’t, and Barça Kids. She writes mainly for her three children who are her biggest critics and her biggest fans. She has currently published three titles, which have been translated in the United States, Canada, France, Belgium, Taiwan, and China. You can follow Rocio Bonilla on Facebook and Pinterest.
Synopsis
Recommended for readers between the ages of 4 and 8 years old in kindergarten through third grade, The Highest Mountain of Books in the World follows a little boy named Lucas who was convinced that he was born to fly. He spent hours watching birds and airplanes in flight and even tried to design his own wings many times. He wrote letters to Santa, begging for help, but ended up disappointed when he received toy wings and capes. Then, one day, his mother hands him a book and something magical happens: Through the power of books, Lucas begins to fly.
Evaluation
As a lover of books, I absolutely adore the message in The Highest Mountain of Books in the World. The main character, Lucas, believes that he was born to fly but at first fails to succeed at his dreams. After much frustration, his mother puts a book in his hands and he soars all over the world through the power of his imagination. The story concludes, “And that’s when his imagination allowed him to fly…yet once again.” I believe that books can take you anywhere, so I love the message in this story.
My daughter has been reading on her own for almost a year, and she can read pretty much all of The Highest Mountain of Books in the World with ease. She had to ask for help only on a few of the unfamiliar words. The English version is a translation from the original Spanish, and I found the translation quite beautiful. My toddler son also enjoys listening to me read the story aloud. I can see myself reading this book again and again for many years to come.
In addition to the wonderful story and message, I also love the soft and beautiful illustrations in The Highest Mountain of Books in the World. My favorite pictures are the ones of Lucas using his imagination as he reads. (My favorite picture is of Lucas sitting in a cave in the snow with a yeti.) The gorgeous illustrations from Rocio Bonilla really bring the story to life. Both my kids also enjoy the pictures, and my son especially loves pointing out familiar objects like that cat on many of the pages.
Final Verdict
If you too believe in the power of imagination and books, I cannot recommend The Highest Mountain of Books in the World written and illustrated by Rocio Bonilla any more highly. The book is both a delightful story and a celebration of the wonder of books, reading, and imagination. The vocabulary, language, and style are perfect for readers between the ages of 4 and 8 years old in kindergarten through third grade. My kids and I also love the soft and beautiful illustrations, which bring the story to life. I highly recommend The Highest Mountain of Books in the World as an excellent book for imparting the power of books and imagination.
Purchase The Highest Mountain of Books in the World on Amazon via my affiliate link.
Image Credits
‘The Highest Mountain of Books in the World’ Book Review © 2017 Heather Johnson
Cover of ‘The Highest Mountain of Books in the World’ Book © 2017 Heather Johnson
Inside Pages of ‘The Highest Mountain of Books in the World’ Book 1 © 2017 Heather Johnson
Inside Pages of ‘The Highest Mountain of Books in the World’ Book 2 © 2017 Heather Johnson
Inside Pages of ‘The Highest Mountain of Books in the World’ Book 3 © 2017 Heather Johnson
