Hooked on Books

by Margaret Chiu Greanias, Kristyna Litten (Illustrator)

Pearl just wants to read her book in peace, but the other fish won’t leave her alone!

Pearl can’t wait to dive into her new book, but the other sea creatures keep interrupting and nothing she does will keep them away—not hanging signs, not hiding under the seaweed, nor swimming away to a shipwreck. So Pearl plucks up her book and swishes down, down, down for a distraction-free place to think and to read. But just as she settles back in, here comes a light show from the comb jellies! GAH! What’s a poor fish got to do for some quiet alone time?

Little ones who struggle to focus in busy environments will relate to Pearl, a grumpy anglerfish, as she searches for quiet in this funny and gentle reminder about establishing healthy boundaries and respecting personal space.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Nature, Books About Books, Fiction, Humor

32 pages, Hardcover

Published June 27, 2023

Reviews

[Melanie Ellsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers of HOOKED ON BOOKS will relate to the anglerfish Pearl’s often thwarted efforts to find a quiet place to read in the middle of a busy sea of fish. On Pearl’s journey, we also learn about the many other creatures who occupy the deepest parts of the ocean. The illustrations, particularly when Pearl swims into the deep black abyssal zone of the ocean with marine snow falling around her, are gorgeous. Kids (and parents!) will appreciate the message that it’s okay to find some space for yourself when you need it. And I love the reminder at the end of the story about how much joy we feel when we share a wonderful book with others!

[Qing Zhuang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked on Books is a story for marine animal lover as well as book lover. It is a declaration of “Let me read in peace!” And for the child who has the most fun connecting through a good book. Our culture often associates fun with noise and action, and I appreciate that this book is a lovely celebration of the fun of reading. You will also learn about different kinds of marine animals such as the yeti crab and the legendary kraken. The art is rich with a limited palette that emphasizes the beautiful glow of our protagonist, Pearl the bibliophile anglerfish. I look forward to reading this gentle and fun book for a cozy bedtime story with my child when she grows older!

[Jessica Calaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 - 8 years, cute & probably more relatable to older kids in this age range.

[Lorellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations. Paired with a frustration all bookworms know, wanting to be left alone to read.

[‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾Carissa☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pearl just wanted to read her book damnit!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture book is a 3.5 for me. I suspect many bibliophiles like me can relate to its contents. Pearl, an anglerfish, is hooked on books. Almost literally! Instead of using her lure to attract a meal, Pearl uses it to light up her reading material. But as often happens when someone is deeply immersed in a book, there are others who don't understand that interest and distract the reader. The text is filled with all sorts of watery references and phrases that are fun to say [for instance, "a slew of snails slid onto the book" (unpaged)] as various forms of marine life pursue her as she seeks a quiet refuge for reading. But once she finally does, Pearl realizes that part of the fun of reading is sharing a book with others, prompting her to swim back home and start a book club. The artwork, created with pencil, ink textures, and digital techniques, works well with the lively text and all the clever word play. Although I'm not certain that I'd be as patient or accommodating as Pearl since I hate being interrupted while reading, having to stop and go, stop and go, after a line or paragraph or two, it's clear that her willingness to share her avocation with others may nurture some more readers, even if they are pretty unlikely. I wonder how those books will last while being immersed in salty water, but then again, the pages seem to be secreted among seashells so that might not be a concern. Add this one to a collection dedicated to the importance of literacy.

[NoNieqa Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lure of Maragret Greanias's third book, is the little angler fish, Pearl, who can’t find a private place to sink into her story and read. Set in the magical and mysterious deep ocean, readers will learn about the rich sea life in each of its layers as they follow Pearl's journey to escape distractions from the twilight zone to the abyss. Illustrator Kristyna Litten's ethereal illustrations will calm and entrance. Readers will have fun trying to predict if and where Pearl will find a cozy spot–and what will happen after she finally finishes her story. Reminiscent of the great Eric Carle's works, Greanias immerses us in a heart-warming science-based story about the joy of reading a book cover-to-cover and the joy of sharing books with our community.

I imagine kids and their grown ups talking about their favorite book nooks or making a book nook of their very own. Highly recommended for readers who are hooked on books and love talking about their favorites.

[Anitra Rowe Schulte · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hooked on Books" is a picture book about seeking solitude, set in a vivid, captivating underwater world. An anglerfish named Pearl is reading "by the light of her lure," when her neighbors begin creeping in. First, a slew of snails. Then, a swarm of shrimps. Followed by more and more ocean creatures - all eager for a glimpse at her book. No matter how far down she travels, they find her. Quippy conversation bubble punctuate the page, as the art depicts Pearl endlessly dodging. When at last she finds a quiet place to finish her tale, an unexpected realization causes Pearl to swim north to her friends. Charmingly told, with varied and expressive art in creative compositions, "Hooked on Books" is a story about the joys of alone time and the need for connection with others.

[Isabella Kung · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOOKED ON BOOKS is the perfect story for any book and/or Ocean lovers. This adorable book at heart is about an angular fish named pearl seeking a peaceful spot to read her tale but kept getting interrupted by different marine animals at different depths. It wasn’t until she reached the deepest depth of the abyssal zone an a small cave for one, then she was finally able to finish her book. But once she did, she realized being alone has its drawbacks too. The author really did her research and seamlessly weaved scientific oceanic terminology with the writing, it enhanced storytelling and matches the emotional ups and downs of the main character as well! The illustrator did a fantastic job designing delightful characters and painting a would have magical wonder under the sea. Highly recommended for every classroom, library and bookshelf!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Pearl the anglerfish wanted was a quiet place to read her book and was very frustrated that "no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't escape the tsunami of interruptions." Finally, Pearl is able to read in peace but once she's finished Pearl realizes she's lonely and wants someone to talk to about the story. This is a book that will speak to many a bookworm. The illustrations and text work well to create an ocean setting and to capture Pearl's desire to finish her book about the unhappy kraken's search for happiness. Actually, I would like to read that book too! An appealing picture book about reading and sharing!

"Does anyone want to start a book club?"

[Nicole Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital copy of this book for my honest review.

Pearl is just an angler fish who wants to read her book, but all her friends want to read it too, creating a bunch of noise and activity that is distracting to Pearl. This is a great and relatable book for those easily distracted (or busy parents) but also a great lesson for friends who need to just give someone some space until they are ready. Plus, Pearl is probably the most adorable angler fish ever in a sea of beautiful illustrations. A great read for deep sea lovers, book lovers, and those who just need a little space.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

"What's a fish got to do for peace and quiet?!"

Pearl, an angler fish, can't find a quiet place to read her book. There are snails sliding onto her book and shrimp swarming around. No matter where Pearl goes, something is there to interrupt her reading. When she finally sinks all the way to the bottom of the ocean into a tiny cave with room for just one, she finishes her book. But now she had no one to talk to about this book and tell them how much she liked it. "She ached for someone--anyone--to bug her about her book."

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lively, colorful approach to the mixed joys of reading: immersing yourself in the text (pun intended) and sharing a good book with others. In this case the account underwater adds depth by having the bookworm-fish diving deeper and deeper into the ranges of the less-explored ocean frontiers, still finding that everywhere Anglerfish goes to read, other story/book lovers can be found.
Kids will learn indirectly about the depths of the ocean while enjoying the lively personalities and visual delight of these underwater booklovers.

[Carrie Finison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet story follows Pearl, an anglerfish who just wants a quiet place to read alone, but her sea creature friends keep trying to read along over her shoulder. I guess that's what happens when you're the only one with a book light! Pearl searches the different ocean zones for a quiet place and finally finds one, but then decides it's a little TOO quiet. Maybe books are best shared, after all. The text short and fun to read, full of ocean puns and wordplay, while the illustrations are friendly and luminous in their appeal. And the message is something all book lovers can agree with!

[Elisa Boxer · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO much to love about this book! Through Pearl the anglerfish, readers young and old will relate to the frustration of trying to find a quiet moment amid the chaos of daily life. Engaging text and gorgeous illustrations (I especially love the bio-luminescence!) take us deep down into the ocean, where we learn about different sea creatures and the importance of respecting each other's space. This story celebrates the power of a good book, the sanctity of alone time, and the joy of sharing something special with friends.

[Kalynne]

Date: 03.14.25
Attendees: 87
Theme: Reading, Libraries
Introduction and announcements: Put Your Hands Up High

Book one: Hooked on Books by Margaret Greanias

Song/rhyme/game one: These are my Glasses by Laurie Berkner

Book two: Library Books are Not for Eating! By Todd Tarpley

Song/rhyme/game two: Hot Potato by The Wiggles

Book three: The Book Hog by Greg Pizzoli

Song/ rhyme/ game three: Ollie (B.I.N.G.O)

Announcements: Announce library’s birthday, special visit from Ollie

Activity: Color your own bookmarks, scavenger hunt

[Lizzy Hartwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Pearl is an anglerfish surrounded by distractions, and there's nothing more maddening than being interrupted when you're trying to read. She seeks refuge in shipwrecks and cozy caves, but everywhere she goes, her friends want to talk about her book. Finally, in the deepest, darkest depths of the ocean, she finds peace and finishes her read, but something is missing. HOOKED ON BOOKS pairs heartwarming humor (which shines in the illustrations too) and fun sea-worthy language with snippets of information about ocean zones. It's the perfect read for every bookworm (or fish).

[TheRetiredSchoolLibrarian |Mrs. Ferraris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief summary: Pearl, an anglerfish, reads her book in the depth of the sea but is constantly interrupted. Looking for personal space, she swims down into the abyssal zone, where it is tranquil, and she can finish her book. Lonely, she returns to the twilight zone.

The illustrations were in shades of blues with the various fish in other colors and often two-page spreads. Speech bubbles mixed with traditional text.

Rating: 4/4 📗📗📗📗

[Candy Wellins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a great #picturebook to start the #newyear? I suggest HOOKED ON BOOKS by @margaretgreanias and @kristynalitten It’s the sweetest story about an angler fish who just wants a little time to himself to read. The other sea creatures won’t leave him alone so he must go to extra measures for a little privacy. Big siblings (and parents) will certainly relate! The book has a great ending too that promotes kindness. #SELbook #kindness #kidslit #read

[Sylvia Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the visuals in this book which have mesmerizing scenes with luminescent settings and characters. Plus all the amusing wordplay, lovely use of alliteration, and relatable dialogue and thinking. If you're looking for a book with any of these hooks: the lure of uninterrupted reading, cool sea creatures, finding the space you need, understanding each other's preferences, or enjoying good books together... this is the perfect book for you!

[Dannaca · Rating 5 out of 5]

We did this one for our Ocean themed story time as well. Anglerfish is very frustrated with all the reading interruptions so she hurries as deep into the ocean as she can to read her book. When she's done though, she realizes that it's a little more fun to have someone to discuss the books with. The illustrations are gorgeous! Deep, dark blue backgrounds are perfect for being illuminated by the creatures from the twilight to abyssal zones!

[Danielle Jensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated tale about a fish that just wants some peace and quiet to read their book. However, they quickly realize that books lose a little of their magic without others to book talk with.

This would be a great book for introducing young children to the idea of a book club or just the idea of talking about their favorite books.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago, my own kids were huge fans of Octonauts, and I wish we had Hooked on Books back then! This picture book is full of hilarious ocean-themed puns and adorable illustrations. This title would be a great selection for an ocean-themed story time, or for introducing younger students to the concept of a book club or just sharing and discussing favorite books.

[Vicky Fang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a sweet story about finding alone time—and balancing that with connecting with others. Kids will love exploring the different zones of the ocean as an angler fish searches for a quiet place to read. A great book for little readers, with rich illustrations and an engaging ocean setting!

[Carol Gordon Ekster · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous picture book for classrooms, especially those studying the ocean. There are multiple levels about the love of reading, needing quiet for certain activities, yet wanting friends to connect with. And I loved all the clever ocean/fish related word usage, like "diving into a book." Adorable illustrations and lyrical language make this a great read aloud.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pearl, the angelfish just wants to read a book by her lure light but every other fish follows her around asking questions. Colorful and interesting introduction to an angelfish and other undersea creatures all wanting to be read to. Love the illustrations and the theme of the book under the sea fish.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pearl wants to enjoy her book but keeps getting interrupted by her friends and other sea creatures. Readers journey with her as she travels down to the abyssal zone. She found the quiet she craved and finished her book but learned that she had no one to discuss it with. She made the journey back up and offered to share with her friends. Beautiful illustration capture the undersea world.

[KatieReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son and I read this together. The illustrations on each page are stunning especially with the comb jellies. My son’s current obsession are krakens and deep sea creatures so he was excited about Pearl the anglerfish reading a book about krakens. I love how the krakens are subtly drawn to follow Pearl across the pages as she is immersed in the story. He is inspired to write a book about krakens.

[Sarah Alamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

We're so proud you read "Hooked on Books"! Like Pearl the fish, you learned it's okay to want quiet time when reading. But you also discovered something special—sharing stories with loved ones makes reading even better! When you need alone time, ask kindly, and when ready, share what you learned. Sharing makes things twice as fun! You're such a wonderful reader, sweetheart!

[H · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the execution of this book was cute, it just seems to have the resolution slammed over your head, "hey, maybe, those people you shunned before might just be worth your time later on when you are lonely. why not use your words and explain?"