I Want to Read All the Books
Author: Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Illustrator: Debbie Ridpath Ohi
17 September 2024
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
48 pages
Book description from Goodreads: “An insatiably curious girl decides the only way to answer all her questions is to read all the books in this funny and charming picture book in the spirit of The Library Fish and Tom Chapin’s The Library Book. Hana wants to know everything about the world around her. When she starts asking questions, her mother gives her a book. She learns so much, but now she has even more questions! She also has a big she will read all the books—every single one! She reads every book in her house…and then her friends’ houses…and then the whole block. Nonfiction, fiction, romance, mysteries, and science fiction. But when her mother takes her to the downtown library, she realizes there are a lot more books than she thought…way more. Maybe she can’t really read all the books—now what?”
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Reading Activities inspired by I Want to Read All the Books:
- Before Reading–From looking at the front cover:
- What do you think it means when someone says they want to read “all the books”?
- Do you think it’s possible to read every book in the world? Why or why not?
- Why do you think people read books?
- Have you ever shared a favorite book with a friend or family member? What was it, and why did you share it?
- Why might libraries and librarians be important to someone who loves books?
- From looking at the cover, what kind of character do you think Hana is?
- What questions would you like to ask the author (who is also the illustrator!) before reading the book?
- After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story:
- What made Hana decide she wanted to read all the books?
- How did Hana feel when she realized she couldn’t read every book? Why?
- What did the librarian teach Hana about reading?
- How did Hana’s Book Club change her idea about reading?
- What was your favorite part of the story? Why?
- How did Hana’s friends and family help her on her reading journey?
- If you started your own book club, who would you invite and why?
- What book would you recommend to Hana? Why do you think she would like it?
- What do you think is the main message of the story?
- Would you recommend this book to a friend? What part would you tell them about first?
- Big Questions, Bigger Reading List: Make a list of all the big questions you’ve ever wondered about, like “Where does rain come from?” or “How do dolphins talk?” Then write or draw a list of books you’d like to read to answer those questions. Keep it somewhere special to check off as you go!
- My Dream Library Blueprint: Design the ultimate library of your dreams! Will it have bean bag chairs, reading nooks shaped like castles, or even a slide between floors? Draw or build your dream library and share it with your friends or family.
- Bookworm Club Kickoff: Just like Hana, start your own book club! Invite friends or family members, pick a fun book to read, and meet up to chat about your favorite parts. You can even come up with a cool club name and make bookmarks for everyone!
- Rain Drop Science Adventure: Hana’s reading journey started with a question about rain. Make your own mini water cycle experiment using a clear bowl, warm water, and plastic wrap. Watch how rain forms, and learn about the science behind those raindrops!
- Reading Marathon Party: Set up a “read-a-thon” day with cozy pillows, snacks, and all your favorite books. Keep track of how many pages or books you can finish in a day. Bonus points if you share a favorite story with a friend or family member!
- Wonder Wall of Questions: Take inspiration from Hana and create your own “Wonder Wall” by writing or drawing your big questions on sticky notes. Stick them on a wall or board, then grab books to start answering them one by one.
- Books, Books, and More Books!: Check out these real-world books about the magic of reading and libraries:
What happens when a group of bats sneaks into a library at night? A magical, bat-filled storytime!
This bilingual celebration of books and reading showcases how reading brings communities together.
Leopold the goat loves his bookstore, but when he meets a customer who seems more interested in eating books than reading them, chaos ensues!
Set in a magical library that opens only at night, this story follows a little librarian and her owl assistants as they help visitors find the perfect books.
Based on the real-life story of Pura Belpré, the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City, this inspiring book celebrates cultural heritage, storytelling, and the role libraries play in communities.