Will You Read to Me?

by Denys Cazet

When you are little and you've learned to read, and you've learned to write a poem all by yourself, you'd like someone big to put his arm around you and say, "Wow! Wonderful! You are terrific!"

Hamlet's pig family is more interested in supper than poetry. Sadly, he wanders off into the night woods with his book and his poems.

And there Hamlet finds something powerfully surprising. Something good and grand and terrific.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Poetry, Fiction, Animals

32 pages, Hardcover

First published June 26, 2007

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was just ok until we got to the end. Love! <3

[Maggie Panning · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an old favorite around here, this sweet little pig is different from his family and he just wants someone to share his interest. There is a bit of poetry in here, some lovely illustrations, and some comfort for kids who feel different from their family and/or friends and there is the love of reading!

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warmer than most by Cazet, still funny, and charming. A picture-book, not a leveled reader. Not worth ILL but I did like it a lot.

[Kat · Rating 2 out of 5]

read to daughter. just didnt keep us engaged.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hamlet was a misunderstood pig. He was a poet that wanted someone to hear him read.

[Amy Seto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hamlet is a pig who doesn’t fit in. Unlike his family, who enjoy wallowing in the mud, Hamlet sports a spotless shirt and white tennis shoes. He asks his parents to read to him, but they dismiss him in favor of a trough full of swill. Dejected, Hamlet walks to the farmer’s pond. Looking into the water, he sees his reflection and decides this must be his twin, Eggs. Hamlet reads poems to the silent, but approving, Eggs until a cloud hides the moon and the reflection is lost in the dark. But the quiet of the night is interrupted by the animals of the forest and pond who ask, “Will you read to us?”

This story not only celebrates the written word, but also lets kids know that there are people out there who will appreciate their unique efforts and talents. The illustrations are full of comic touches that kids will appreciate. Hamlet is a quiet and polite character and his expressions of hope, disappointment, sadness, and surprise are wonderful.

Full Review at Picture-Book-a-Day: http://picturebookaday.blogspot.com/2...

[Sara Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Modern fantasy/picutre book
Age: 4-8
Summary: Hamlet is not an ordinary pig. He likes to stay clean, wear clothes, and he loves to write poems in his notebook. His family and friends think he is a bit odd. Hamlet is sad because he can't find anyone who wants to read with him. Finally, he starts to read to his reflection in the water. Little does he know that the farm and forest animals were listening, and loved his poems.
Reflection: I just love this story. The illustrations of the farm and the pond in the evening are so beautiful; really adding to the book.

[Gail · Rating 1 out of 5]

Here's a book about a pig named Hamlet who likes to read his poetry aloud. HIs family is too busy for him but he finally finds an audience at the pond. My two year old was not interested in this book. I found it boring as well, although I think the real reason I dislike this book is Hamlet's ugly white Reeboks and Hawaiian shirt.

[Courtney Sharpton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is about being who you are and eventually you will find people just like you. It also really great writing in it. I would definitely use this in my classroom to show students how to use punctuation to make their writing stronger. I would also use it to show them how to incorporate poems in their writing.

[Janessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about a pig who writes and the other pigs don't like reading or writing as much as he does so he starts to write poems and reads them out loud when he thinks there is no one else listening but in the end there is an encore. I think this would be a really good book for beginner readers and writers.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hum...this book didn't flow and was okay. I think the point of the book is to be yourself and there will be the people who will think you are strange and people who like for who you are great. His pig family was not receptive to his wearing clothes and writing poetry but he learns you can find friends in the most unusual places,.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hamlet is a pig that just doesn't fit in. He is tidy and polite and he loves to read and to write poetry. Not appreciated by his family he ultimately finds other animals who share his love of literature. A gentle way to introduce poetry to young readers. Also a good read for those children who haven't found their niche yet.

[Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story and cute illustrations about a pig who loves to be clean and write poetry even though his family doesn't understand and makes fun of him. Be yourself no matter what! In the end there will always be those who like you for you and your specialties / creativities / or whatever you do in your life.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was pretty cute. The first time I read it I liked it less because I was falling asleep reading it before naptime (note: I was falling asleep but my preschooler wasn't!). The next reading I was more awake and liked it better.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute pictures but the story didn't hold the interest of my kids.

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poor Hamlet the pig wants to share his poem but his family isn't interested. He finds an interested audience in this sweetly illustrated and well-expressed story.

[Angie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't like it.

[Ruth Ann]

I like!d the clean pig reading to his reflection when his family was busy. I loved how the problem of finding an audience is solved.

[Jami · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book lost us once it started in on the poetry.

[Sarah Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a quick review to anyone who has kids...buy this book. It is pure MAGIC!!!!

[Walida · Rating 2 out of 5]

The illustrations were cute. would recommend for grades k-2nd. The story did not grab my attention but it would be a great way to maybe introduce poetry as a type of writing.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Annoying characters. Annoying interactions between characters. The finale, however, I liked a lot.

[Carissa Pischke]

Lesson plan made for Children's Literature! Very much enjoyed the colorful illustrations and the additions of poems.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story about a pig who doesn't fit in because he likes to read an write and then finds creatures who appreciate his interests.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

i feel bad not really liking a book titled "Will you read to me?"

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Use when studying poetry with lower elementary students.