I finally got a copy of this book. And as with many other picture books that intrigue me, I have read and reread this one many times. I appreciate more with each reading, and the quality of the book brings me back to it.
Written and illustrated by Koen Van Biesen, this picture book was originally published in Belgium in 2012. It was then published again by Eerdman's in 2015. This is the version I am reading now.
Van Biesen, Koen. Roger is reading a book. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdman's Books for Young Readers, 2015. Print. ISBN 9780802854421.
Because this book is about someone reading a book, it is especially interesting to me.
Roger is reading a book in his apartment. His orange tweed coat is hung, he's sitting on a stool, and his dog is resting beside him. All is good. But the facing page indicates there might be some trouble approaching, and the bouncing ball is proof. Soon we meet Emily, Roger's next door neighbor, a young girl who is playing basketball in her own apartment, and, the noise has startled both Roger and his dog. Roger knocks on the wall to show he's been bothered, but Emily decides to practice her singing next, once again jolting Roger and his dog of their quiet. Roger knocks again, but to no avail, as the next four attempts include Emily playing a drum, juggling, boxing and dancing -- and producing noise that disturbs the quiet next door. Finally, annoyed to the point of action, Roger delivers a package to Emily's place. Emily opens it, revealing a book, and soon Roger's problem is solved as the girl begins to read it. Soon, both Roger and Emily - each in their respective homes -- are both engrossed in books. But then the dog decides its his turn to get noticed, and the book ends as Emily and Roger walk the dog out together -- with another funny surprise at the end.
The text in this book is the conversation and interaction between Emily and Roger. The back and forth is quick and sharp -- as if the events are happening in real time. There's lots of onomatopoeia in this one, with each signaling Emily's next attempt at disruption and Roger's reaction (knocking). Lines are sparse and to-the-point, with the narration similar to a play-by-play. All work together to make this a very focused and well-paced read-aloud.
And however much the text works, the illustrations are standouts, too. Color is used to highlight Roger and Emily, and white is used as background. We see shadows of Roger's stool, his shoe, and Emily's basketball. Bold text is in all caps in black, a forest green, and blue. Patterns in Emily's dress and chair, and Roger's vest catch the reader's eye. Van Biesen has also given clues about all the ways Emily will entertain Roger with the various items found in her room. Lines are especially important here with grey swirls indicating approaching events, curved ones showing sound as well as movement (Emily's hair, Roger's hat and pounding knocks, etc.). When Roger is knocking at the wall at his most impatient moment, Emily's head is bowed down, creating balance. As Roger is bothered, he repositions his stool, and his dog mimics him (a clever touch). Page turns lend motion to the story, and lead the reader through the book at just the right speed.
The other story happening simultaneously is the dog's reaction to it all, so watch for that, too.
This book, in a way, is the story of two opposing forces coming to an agreement -- with a bit of ingenuity and someone taking a positive first step. But mostly, the plot and interaction are just fun to watch. Emily is a clever and very interesting girl. And what book is it that Roger must read?
I have kept this one close by for awhile, as with every pick-up I see more. I am grateful to Eeerdman's for publishing this one and making it available here.
