How to Read a Very Serious Book

A light-hearted picture book plays on the idea that reading a book is a very serious business

Reading serious books is a very serious matter. Or so thinks a seriously knowledgeable narrator who guides two young readers as they practice various ways of presenting a Very Serious Reader persona to the world.

For instance, wearing a stick-on mustache, glasses on the tip of your nose, and a pencil tucked behind an ear are all good ways to look studious while you read. And of course, every page should be turned with a flourish.

Humorously illustrated in comic-book style panels, this lighthearted picture book pokes fun at the idea of “serious” books and encourages kids to read what they like—because all books are meant to be seriously enjoyed.

Mireille Messier is an award-winning children’s writer with a background in broadcasting and theater. Before becoming an author, Mireille worked as a television and radio host, a director, a researcher, a book reviewer and a voice actress. Mireille has published over thirty books, some in French, others in English, for children of all ages, including No Horses in the House! and Nevin Knows. Her books have been selected for many literary awards, including a Governor General’s Award, a Christopher Award, a Blue Spruce Award, a Rocky Mountain Book Award and a Hackmatack Award.

Kelly Collier has been drawing since she was little and studied illustration in college. She is the author-illustrator of the Steve the Horse series and The Imposter, and the illustrator of Sloth and Squirrel series, the Izzy series and How to Party Like a Snail. She has an identical twin sister and an older brother, and she lives in Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and daughter.