“Children will love the thrilling events . . . Ivey’s message shows how consuming and sharing knowledge can change the world. Chuck Galey’s illustrations capture the playfulness of the story while emphasizing the dramatic effect of the premise.”
—Mississippi Magazine
Extolling the virtues of reading, this book offers a giant look at what happens to a well-read child. Not only does Jay’s knowledge expand when he revels in reading, but so does his size. How he gets back to normal scale teaches the act of sharing, another desirable quality.
It all starts when Jay’s mom pulls the plug on the TV and sends her son outside to play. Jay’s imagination isn’t working too well and he soon becomes bored. Knowing just what will solve her son’s problem, she drives Jay to the library and helps him pick out books that will spark his thoughts. Soon Jay is reading about adventures and fanciful characters only his mind’s eye can see.
Something strange happens as Jay soaks up all this newfound knowledge. It doesn’t take long for this eight-year-old boy’s frame to stretch to extraordinary heights. He can see eye to eye with the top of the house when his mother goes out to check on him. Jay attracts worldwide notoriety as a giant who read himself large. An expert in the field of unusual occurrences steps from the crowd of onlookers Jay has attracted and suggests that Jay share the stories with everyone watching. As he does so, he returns to normal while entertaining the crowd with all that he has learned.
About the Author
Randall Ivey is a professor of composition, literature, and English at the University of South Carolina. This is his first children’s book.
About the Illustrator
Chuck Galey opened his own illustration studio in 1985. In addition to My Brother Dan’s Delicious, SantaSaurus, Jazz Cats, and Rock ’n’ Roll Dogs, all published by Pelican, he has illustrated more than thirty educational books.
JAY AND THE BOUNTY OF BOOKS
By Randall Ivey
Illustrated by Chuck Galey
JUVENILE FICTION / Books & Libraries
32 pp. 11 x 8 1/2
31 color illus.
Ages 5-8
ISBN: 9781589803725