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This Is Our World
This is a Story
Children’s literacy advocate John Schu and Caldecott Honor recipient Lauren Castillo celebrate the power of finding the perfect book—in a story that’s more relevant than ever.
This is a word on a page.
This is a page in a book.
This is a book on a shelf . . . waiting.
With a sea-horse kite in hand, a child heads out with Dad to the library. On the way they stop at a park, joining lots of people, some of whom are flying kites, too. At the library, a person toting a big pile of books hands over a story on a favorite subject: the sea horse. All around, there are readers poring over books, each with their own questions, ideas to explore, hopes for the future, and imaginations ready to spark. With a warm, lyrical text and tenderly expressive illustrations, John Schu and Lauren Castillo invite us to imagine the myriad ways that books can foster connection and understanding—and how they can empower children, through their own passions, to transform the world.
This is a word on a page.
This is a page in a book.
This is a book on a shelf . . . waiting.
With a sea-horse kite in hand, a child heads out with Dad to the library. On the way they stop at a park, joining lots of people, some of whom are flying kites, too. At the library, a person toting a big pile of books hands over a story on a favorite subject: the sea horse. All around, there are readers poring over books, each with their own questions, ideas to explore, hopes for the future, and imaginations ready to spark. With a warm, lyrical text and tenderly expressive illustrations, John Schu and Lauren Castillo invite us to imagine the myriad ways that books can foster connection and understanding—and how they can empower children, through their own passions, to transform the world.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published March 14, 2023
4 people are currently reading
2673 people want to read
About the author
John Schu
6 books1,799 followersJohn Schu is the creator of the popular blog Mr. Schu Reads (mrschureads.blogspot.com), was the Ambassador of School Libraries for Scholastic Book Fairs, a part-time lecturer at Rutgers University, and a former classroom teacher and school librarian. He has visited schools all over the world and has met with over 130,000 students, teachers, and administrators as he advocates for the people and things he cares about most: kids, books, schools, and the libraries — and librarians — that connect them. This Is a School is his picture book debut. John Schu lives in Naperville, Illinois. You can find him at JohnSchu.com and on social media at @MrSchuReads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
August 16, 2024
Yesterday, I picked this one up on my weekly visit to my local library. And, I was pleasantly surprised by the simplicity of it.
This is a story…that takes few words. But those few words and charming illustrations show the importance of reading, libraries and books. It is so beautifully written, I felt myself mesmerized as I turned pages slowly. And, as I looked at the pictures, I imagined what each child must be feeling as they studied and experienced the pages, and read the words, or had them read for them, before turning to the next page.
Honestly, this one is a keeper, parents! Teachers, please include this one in your classroom, because this truly…is a story worth reading!
Please take time to read the last page of the book which is the copyrights page which names all the book covers that were illustrated throughout this story.
Reading level: Ages 4 – 8 years – Pre-school – 3rd grade+
This is a story…that takes few words. But those few words and charming illustrations show the importance of reading, libraries and books. It is so beautifully written, I felt myself mesmerized as I turned pages slowly. And, as I looked at the pictures, I imagined what each child must be feeling as they studied and experienced the pages, and read the words, or had them read for them, before turning to the next page.
Honestly, this one is a keeper, parents! Teachers, please include this one in your classroom, because this truly…is a story worth reading!
Please take time to read the last page of the book which is the copyrights page which names all the book covers that were illustrated throughout this story.
Reading level: Ages 4 – 8 years – Pre-school – 3rd grade+
May 1, 2023
An excellent story about books for kids! A book started with "a word, then a word on a page, a page in a book, a book on a shelf." The book sits there waiting at the library. Readers will see a dad walking his kids to the library as well as a grandma taking her grandson and a mom taking her daughter to the library. At the library, a librarian will introduce young readers to different books. Young readers will learn and explore through books. Books connect readers to everything and everyone. A great read and awesome illustrations!
Thank you Candlewick Press for the opportunity to read and review!
Thank you Candlewick Press for the opportunity to read and review!
August 29, 2022
John Schu exudes his passion for how stories connect with readers in this text. Lauren Castillo's illustrations give hints of many of our elementary students' favorite picture books. All our hearts need this book which celebrates the gift of story in a hopeful manner.
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March 28, 2023I'm not a big fan of the "This is a..." format. It doesn't flow like I had hoped for. It's stilted. I do love the illustrations and how they use real books and do seem to have chosen a diverse set of books.
December 29, 2023
I love John Schu's book recommendations, and I loved the art for this book. But mostly - just it was just enh. It feels like it was written for adults who love kids more than for actual kids.
April 30, 2023
Thank you for helping me find my "why". ❤️
March 19, 2023
For many of us entering a library, whether it's for the public, a school or even our personal collections, it supplies us with a sense of homecoming. In this space, an infinite number of stories are housed. They enrich and enlarge our imaginations. Through them we travel into the past, present, and future with greater understanding and compassion. These stories give us answers to questions while leading us to more discoveries and answers we didn't even know we desired. Armed with the truths they provide, our knowledge of our planet and its inhabitants, plant and animal, grows. Not only does our knowledge grow but so does our admiration for the complexity of intertwined systems functioning every second of every day.
For those of us who have spent most of our adult lives serving patrons of all ages in libraries, we are witness to the remarkable moments when readers are connected to the story they need or want. We not only listen to them with our minds, but also our hearts. This is how bridges are built between books and readers. When that bridge is built, when that connection is forged, something nearly indescribable happens. We see it in their eyes, their demeanor, and their body posture. It is joy. This joy is wonderfully expressed in words by John Schu and in artwork by Lauren Castillo in their first collaboration, This Is A Story (Candlewick Press, March 14, 2023). This book shows us the power of story, our stories and the stories of others.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
For those of us who have spent most of our adult lives serving patrons of all ages in libraries, we are witness to the remarkable moments when readers are connected to the story they need or want. We not only listen to them with our minds, but also our hearts. This is how bridges are built between books and readers. When that bridge is built, when that connection is forged, something nearly indescribable happens. We see it in their eyes, their demeanor, and their body posture. It is joy. This joy is wonderfully expressed in words by John Schu and in artwork by Lauren Castillo in their first collaboration, This Is A Story (Candlewick Press, March 14, 2023). This book shows us the power of story, our stories and the stories of others.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
April 29, 2023
I love Mr. Schu. Mr. Schu Reads is one of my favorite sites! So this book about the magic of books and how they connect all of us. YES
Also the illustrations of other people's book covers?! Also yes!
Also the illustrations of other people's book covers?! Also yes!
April 11, 2023
This is a very good book for young children, teaching them about books and such. It’s beautifully illustrated. Overall a very lovely book, will be giving to my niece and nephew.
September 11, 2023
Lovely. To sum up in an emoji: 🥰
Story to share for library class visits?
Story to share for library class visits?
January 9, 2025
The magic of libraries, librarians and books encapsulated in a gorgeously illustrated picture book.
March 23, 2023
Lovely introduction to libraries....
(Be sure to check the inside of the book jacket for a wonderful poster!)
Showcases many other children's books within the illustrations:
Sea Horse: the shyest fish in the sea by Christ Butterworth; Shark Lady by Jess Keating; How to Hide a Meadow Frog by Ruth Heller; At Night by Jonathan Bean; Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall; Leaves by Davide E. Stein; The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes; That Neighbor Kid by Daniel Miyares; Lightship by Brian Floca; The Bad Chair by Dasha Tolstikova; The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach; Only the Cat Saw by Ashley Wolff; The Old Truck by Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey; Go, Shapes, Go! by Denise Fleming; My Best Friend by Julie Fogliano; Our Friend Hedgehog by Lauren Denos; Flora & Ulysses by Kwame Alexander; The Case for Loving by Selina Alko & Sean Qualls; Astro Girl by Ken Wilson-Max; Skit-Scat Raggedy Cat by Roxane Orgill; Juana & Lucas by Juana Medina; Manga, Abuela, and Me by Meg Medina; Ladder to the Moon by Maya Soetoro-Ng; The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate; Rescue and Jessica by Jessica Krensky and Patrick Downes...and many more!
Great reads to add to any child's TBR list!
(Be sure to check the inside of the book jacket for a wonderful poster!)
Showcases many other children's books within the illustrations:
Sea Horse: the shyest fish in the sea by Christ Butterworth; Shark Lady by Jess Keating; How to Hide a Meadow Frog by Ruth Heller; At Night by Jonathan Bean; Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall; Leaves by Davide E. Stein; The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes; That Neighbor Kid by Daniel Miyares; Lightship by Brian Floca; The Bad Chair by Dasha Tolstikova; The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach; Only the Cat Saw by Ashley Wolff; The Old Truck by Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey; Go, Shapes, Go! by Denise Fleming; My Best Friend by Julie Fogliano; Our Friend Hedgehog by Lauren Denos; Flora & Ulysses by Kwame Alexander; The Case for Loving by Selina Alko & Sean Qualls; Astro Girl by Ken Wilson-Max; Skit-Scat Raggedy Cat by Roxane Orgill; Juana & Lucas by Juana Medina; Manga, Abuela, and Me by Meg Medina; Ladder to the Moon by Maya Soetoro-Ng; The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate; Rescue and Jessica by Jessica Krensky and Patrick Downes...and many more!
Great reads to add to any child's TBR list!
March 23, 2023
An absolute gem on the shelves, THIS IS A STORY is a celebration of books and libraries ("our world of reading"). Avid readers will enjoy seeing how many real-life titles they can identify in the illustrations. Those who visit and work in libraries will embrace this delightful little book.
May 8, 2023
Lauren Castillo's ink, watercolor and pastel illustrations are a perfect accompaniment to this paean to libraries, books, and reading. Even more special is the inclusion in the illustrations of several dozen actual picture and chapter book covers, either on display in the library, or being read by the children in the library. Just a few examples: Sea Horse: The Shyest Fish in the Sea, The One and Only Ivan, The Bear Ate Your Sandwich, Juana & Lucas, Big Cat, Little Cat, and many more. The inside of the book jacket is a poster as well. Hats off to Schu for this lovely and loving accomplishment.
May 28, 2023
3.5 rating
This Is a Story is the second book by librarian-turned-author John Schu. In this book, we learn how a story is formed and how readers find books to read.
In the book, the story begins with a word, moves to a word on a page, and then moves to the next word on the page until we get a book. The world is filled with readers and with books waiting their turn to be read. It shows how libraries connect these readers to books.
Lauren Castillo is an award-winning illustrator and her talent is evident throughout this book. My son appreciated the little details, such as the illustrated books being actual titles he knew. Since he has read books like The One and Only Ivan and Shark Lady, he felt a connection with the illustrated readers.
This Is a Story has such a simple story line, but it also leaves a lot of room for the readers to think and imagine their own stories they may write or want to read.
** This review was first published on YA Book Central and can be found here https://www.yabookscentral.com/this-i... **
This Is a Story is the second book by librarian-turned-author John Schu. In this book, we learn how a story is formed and how readers find books to read.
In the book, the story begins with a word, moves to a word on a page, and then moves to the next word on the page until we get a book. The world is filled with readers and with books waiting their turn to be read. It shows how libraries connect these readers to books.
Lauren Castillo is an award-winning illustrator and her talent is evident throughout this book. My son appreciated the little details, such as the illustrated books being actual titles he knew. Since he has read books like The One and Only Ivan and Shark Lady, he felt a connection with the illustrated readers.
This Is a Story has such a simple story line, but it also leaves a lot of room for the readers to think and imagine their own stories they may write or want to read.
** This review was first published on YA Book Central and can be found here https://www.yabookscentral.com/this-i... **
April 3, 2023
A warm, loving book about the power of books and libraries. The story told through the illustrations--of a family visiting a local library and a little girl finding a book on seahorses--offers adults a way to talk with children about libraries--how they work, who goes there, how to find help. Additionally, the illustrations are sprinkled with allusions to modern picture books--from Juana and Lucas to the King of Kindergarten. This makes the work feel contemporary and relevant. Many kids can actually see their own library and experience within the text.
That being said, while formatted as a picture book, the sense of nostalgia running throughout the book makes the text feel more adult (particularly librarian and book loving adult) directed. The work is warm, fuzzy, and, as the target audience, I can't help but love it. However, I'm not certain that kids will love it quite as much as the adults who read to them.
That being said, while formatted as a picture book, the sense of nostalgia running throughout the book makes the text feel more adult (particularly librarian and book loving adult) directed. The work is warm, fuzzy, and, as the target audience, I can't help but love it. However, I'm not certain that kids will love it quite as much as the adults who read to them.
August 27, 2023
A book about connecting books to readers--or maybe connecting books to people so that they become readers. This hits my passion, so of course I loved this book! After receiving a library card from her dad, the librarian (thank you, Mr. Schu!) sees the girl's interest in sea horses (via her kite) and connects her to a book; then in turn, the girl does the same for her little brother. I LOVED seeing familiar and beloved book titles--on the shelves and in the hands of readers--Shark Lady; Flora & Ulysses; The Case for Loving; The Dot; Mango, Abuela, and Me; Blobfish! The power of a book, the beauty of the community of readers. Beautifully illustrated. While I think this may hit harder for adults with a passion for reading and books, it also opens up possibilities for kids to think and discuss books they have loved, what they want to read and learn about, etc. This book is an ode and a gift to the reading world.
September 12, 2024
Simple words, big ideas. For school librarians: A great choice for a gentle first lesson with younger learners. Illustrations by Castillo showcase children reading all kinds of stories, including many likely in your own library. I'd connect students to the library's collection by playing a sort of I-Spy for book covers while conducting a second reading. Next, I'd use the catalog to impromptu search for a found title, show students where in the library to physically locate it, etc. If short for time, could have the books already pulled to highlight. A complete list of books included can be found at the back of the book with copyright information, but includes popular titles such as Lightship by Brian Floca, The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach, The Crossover by Kwame Alexander, The Dot by Peter Reynolds, etc.
June 6, 2023
Brief summary: The title page begins this story with a girl receiving a library card from her father.
One word on a page of a book from a shelf waits in a library. A little girl walks to the library with her father and younger sibling. She goes into the children's section carrying a seahorse kite, where a librarian helps her narrow her search from many of the books to the perfect one--a sea horse library book. She begins to read. Other readers in the area are reading books we all know and love that are connected to our hearts and imagination.
The little girl has found her special library book and now helps her younger brother find his. She uses her library card to check out.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
One word on a page of a book from a shelf waits in a library. A little girl walks to the library with her father and younger sibling. She goes into the children's section carrying a seahorse kite, where a librarian helps her narrow her search from many of the books to the perfect one--a sea horse library book. She begins to read. Other readers in the area are reading books we all know and love that are connected to our hearts and imagination.
The little girl has found her special library book and now helps her younger brother find his. She uses her library card to check out.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
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November 4, 202391: This is a Story by John Schu, illustrated by Lauren Castillo
This is a beautiful children's book containing an important message and conveying it beautifully for readers and learners of all ages.
It's all about my personal mission as well: to encourage all people to read whenever and wherever they can and to understand what a beautiful thing it is to build a community of readers who share stories. And if someone does not, personally, wish to read for themselves, perhaps they would consider reading to, with, or for others.
Those who don't read are no different from those who can't, it has been said, so everyone could, maybe "should," read more, helping us all to build communities of readers. This book conveys such a message much more beautifully than simply directing someone to read more, focusing on the good that comes from building communities of readers.
This is a beautiful children's book containing an important message and conveying it beautifully for readers and learners of all ages.
It's all about my personal mission as well: to encourage all people to read whenever and wherever they can and to understand what a beautiful thing it is to build a community of readers who share stories. And if someone does not, personally, wish to read for themselves, perhaps they would consider reading to, with, or for others.
Those who don't read are no different from those who can't, it has been said, so everyone could, maybe "should," read more, helping us all to build communities of readers. This book conveys such a message much more beautifully than simply directing someone to read more, focusing on the good that comes from building communities of readers.
March 29, 2023
The simple text and gorgeous illustrations work together to create THIS STORY that can be read through many different lenses and levels. Read it today to our entire school of K-6 students who could each draw personal meanings and connections and they loved it. This is a follow up to This Is a School by Schu which is equally delightful. I think this book could be used to nurture and encourage readers, but also those potential young writers who may learn to embrace the power of story.
September 19, 2023
I couldn’t love this book any more! John Schu and Lauren Castillo have created a beautiful book sharing the love of reading. The words are simple, yet beautifully describe what it means to become a reader. The illustrations are amazing and I loved looking at all the different book titles Lauren Castillo included throughout. And of course the homage to libraries and the fabulous John Schu, it’s absolutely perfect! I look forward to buying a copy for my home library.
This would make an excellent book to share with kids the first week of school or on a visit to your favorite public library. A gem!
This would make an excellent book to share with kids the first week of school or on a visit to your favorite public library. A gem!
August 30, 2024
If you love the library, then most likely, you will appreciate this book. This is a little love letter to the library.
We focus on the book, micro to macro and then on the people in the city macro to micro. We see the person connect with the book.
The pictures of people sitting around the library reading are amazing. I love it. Sadly, at most libraries now days, kids sit around playing video games. In Baltimore, each library has a game system and there is always a kid or teen sitting there playing.
The artwork is done in ink, pastels and watercolors. The illustrations are beautiful. Fuzzy and cozy is the feel.
We focus on the book, micro to macro and then on the people in the city macro to micro. We see the person connect with the book.
The pictures of people sitting around the library reading are amazing. I love it. Sadly, at most libraries now days, kids sit around playing video games. In Baltimore, each library has a game system and there is always a kid or teen sitting there playing.
The artwork is done in ink, pastels and watercolors. The illustrations are beautiful. Fuzzy and cozy is the feel.
December 31, 2022
This Is A School is a very special book. It speaks to the importance of libraries and books being a space and place where readers can learn and answer the many questions curious readers typically have. I love how John takes this concept and integrates the greater impact books and libraries can have in the community and in the world.
The illustrations by Lauren Castillo are amazing! There are so many Easter egg scattered throughout the book via the many titles readers will recognize. I can’t wait for this book to be out in the world!
Thank you Candlewick for the ARC.
The illustrations by Lauren Castillo are amazing! There are so many Easter egg scattered throughout the book via the many titles readers will recognize. I can’t wait for this book to be out in the world!
Thank you Candlewick for the ARC.
August 24, 2023
5 stars. All the stars! This would be the book I’d read the first week of school, with all the beloved books featured in the wonderful pictures on display. Love how they are acknowledged in the back. I was so happy as I recognized each one I’ve read and shared with students (sea horse unit!) I can just see and hear Mr. Schu saying all the words, as I have heard him expound on the love of books, reading, and libraries many times in person. He’s the best! This is also a perfect book to use in a lesson on how the pictures help tell the story of a book, how the text and illustrations interact.
August 29, 2023
Celebrating words on a page, books on a shelf, and all that goes into creating a story and sharing a story is what is celebrated in this book. Book lovers and librarians will have fun picking out the books highlighted within the book but anyone else can use it also as an instructional tool to help understand the components and celebrate the beauty of stories, everyone's stories.
The art is good and fine, it works for the book to be a little muted but it doesn't add the extra rev that I would have liked for such a special story.
The art is good and fine, it works for the book to be a little muted but it doesn't add the extra rev that I would have liked for such a special story.
September 13, 2023
This is a lovely progressive book. It shows the young child that education encompasses a story. The beginning of education is letters that build into words that develop into stories. So going to school (or a library) is all about a story.
A lovely intro to the power of language - written language. Words built into stories built into books that tell about things, people, places - our world, our hearts, our anticipations.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
A lovely intro to the power of language - written language. Words built into stories built into books that tell about things, people, places - our world, our hearts, our anticipations.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
November 10, 2023
I'm not sure I've read a more beautiful book. I cry all the time reading books, but this one made me hover between tears and my heart bursting from happiness. Every page is a delight. I don't want to spoil it, but you will love the illustrations. I'll be returning to them over and over.
As a 25 year educator and voracious reader, I have "those books" that I will always treasure. This book made me remember them all, and it also made me itchy to get to the bookstore.
A wonderful gift for teachers, librarians, parents, grandparents, and anyone who loves reading!
As a 25 year educator and voracious reader, I have "those books" that I will always treasure. This book made me remember them all, and it also made me itchy to get to the bookstore.
A wonderful gift for teachers, librarians, parents, grandparents, and anyone who loves reading!
November 11, 2023
This is a love letter to libraries and library users everywhere!
I always adore Lauren Castillo’s artwork, it’s so soothing. Young readers will have so much fun identifying all the familiar children’s books seen on these pages. All the stars for the art!
The text starts out with a nice “house that Jack built” sort of rhythm (“this is a word, this is a word in a page…”) but then it sort of falls apart. It’s getting the message across, but it lacks rhythm so it’s not fun to read aloud.
I always adore Lauren Castillo’s artwork, it’s so soothing. Young readers will have so much fun identifying all the familiar children’s books seen on these pages. All the stars for the art!
The text starts out with a nice “house that Jack built” sort of rhythm (“this is a word, this is a word in a page…”) but then it sort of falls apart. It’s getting the message across, but it lacks rhythm so it’s not fun to read aloud.
September 5, 2024
With two great granddaughters, I am often looking at children’s books as possible gifts. My oldest great granddaughter is three going on six or seven! She loves books and I thought this might be a possibility for her. It is a beautiful picture book, but I had difficulty seeing how someone would make this an interesting read even to my granddaughter. It seems to be one of those books that is more for adults than children.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews