I Hate Books!

Hamish loves stories. He especially loves listening to his grandpa, who reads with lots of expression. Hamishs brother, Nathan, is a good reader, too. Actually, Nathan is a genius. Hamish himself is just smart, or thinks hes smart until he starts third grade, and his teacher, Miss Margin, asks him to read aloud. Instead of reading, he makes up a wild story about the Happy Jolly Farming Cow. Before too long, Hamishs secret is out. Miss Margin escorts Hamish to Mr. Robinson, the reading teacher, who tells Hamish that reading is a very serious matter. Still, Hamish insists on making up stories instead of reading the flashcards. Mr. Robinson sends Hamish home with a note to his parents, who are stunned to learn that Hamish cant read. Eventually Nathan steps in, persuading Mom and Dad to buy Hamish a toy truck if he learns to read a childrens picture book. Hamish has always wanted an awesome toy truck, but is he up to the challenge? Kate Walkers witty, sensitive text answers that question in a beautifully illustrated story with an important message about conquering fears and setting — and surpassing — new goals.