The Truth About Books: a joyful picture book celebrating the magic of reading

The Truth About Books: A celebration of the magic of reading is a 32-page paperback by Elina Ellis, published by Pan Macmillan. It follows one curious little boy and his family as he discovers that books are doorways to adventure, bridges to new worlds and wings for the imagination. It is described by the publisher as perfect for little book-lovers and reluctant readers, and it suits both home and school settings, including children with SEND or other learning differences.

At 282 x 224 x 4 mm and 184 g, it is a large-format, lightweight picture book designed for sharing, whether during a quiet moment at home or a trip to the library. Its warm, vibrant illustrations and story-led structure make the joy of reading feel accessible to every child.

For parents and home use

• Gives families a warm, shared story that celebrates the everyday magic of reading together.
• Speaks directly to reluctant readers, showing that books can be exciting rather than daunting.
• Large-format illustrations make it easy to share and enjoy at bedtime or during quiet time.
• Works well as a gentle way to open conversations about reading with a child who finds books difficult.

For schools

• Works well as a whole-class or small-group read-aloud to build a positive classroom reading culture.
• Its focus on reluctant readers makes it a useful starting point for encouraging children who are hesitant about reading.
• Low-cost, consumable format makes it practical for a school library, book corner or SEND resource base.
• Simple, story-led structure suits pupils who benefit from a warm, low-pressure introduction to reading for pleasure.

For children with SEND or other learning differences, and particularly those described as reluctant readers, this book's gentle, story-led celebration of reading can help reduce anxiety around books and reading itself. Rather than teaching phonics or comprehension directly, it builds motivation and positive associations with reading, which can support children who find reading tasks more effortful than their peers.

Picture books that celebrate reading itself, rather than teaching a specific skill, are widely used by parents and teachers as a simple way to build enthusiasm and confidence before tackling more challenging texts.

The Truth About Books is available now from The Dyslexia Shop, ready for home reading time, school libraries, or as a gentle introduction to books for reluctant readers.

• Follows one curious boy and his family discovering the magic of reading.
• Described by the publisher as perfect for little book-lovers and reluctant readers.
• 32 pages of vibrant, large-format illustrations.
• Dimensions 282 x 224 x 4 mm, weight 184 g.
• Written and illustrated by Elina Ellis, published by Pan Macmillan.

• Made for reluctant readers. The publisher describes this book as perfect for little book-lovers and reluctant readers alike.
• Builds positive feelings about reading. Its warm, story-led approach can help children with SEND or other learning differences see books as exciting rather than daunting.
• Works at home and at school. A large-format, shareable picture book suited to bedtime stories, library visits and classroom read-alouds alike.
• From an award-winning creator. Written by Elina Ellis, the Macmillan Prize-winning creator of The Truth About Old People, and supplied by The Dyslexia Shop, a specialist retailer.

Delivery and Returns

Standard UK delivery applies. See our Delivery and Returns page for full details.

• What is The Truth About Books by Elina Ellis?
  It is a 32-page picture book following one curious boy discovering that books are doorways to adventure, bridges to new worlds and wings for the imagination. It is described by the publisher as perfect for little book-lovers and reluctant readers.
• Is this book suitable for children with SEND or other learning differences?
  Yes, its warm, story-led celebration of reading can help reduce anxiety around books for children with SEND or other learning differences, including reluctant readers. It builds positive feelings about reading rather than teaching a specific skill directly.
• Is this book suitable for use in the classroom?
  Yes, it works well as a whole-class or small-group read-aloud to build a positive reading culture. Its focus on reluctant readers also makes it a useful starting point in a school library or SEND resource base.
• Is this a good book to encourage a reluctant reader?
  Yes, the publisher describes it as perfect for reluctant readers, using a warm, story-led approach to show that reading can be exciting rather than daunting.
• What age range is The Truth About Books suitable for?
  The publisher does not state a specific age range for this title. Based on its picture book format and large, illustrated pages, it is best suited to young children being read to or beginning to read independently.
• What is this book about?
  It follows a curious little boy and his family as he discovers that books can take him anywhere, whether he is at home or visiting the library. It celebrates the everyday magic of reading for every child.