A Long Way Away / Frank Viva (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
Read for Librarian Book ClubWhen I was little, my mother gave me a small book I could read to the end, flip over and then the last page of the book became the beginning of a new story. It was delightful, and I'm pretty sure I still have that book kicking around somewhere. Given my past with forward/backward reading, you won't be surprised to find that I loved this picture book which can be read from front to back, or back to front. There's a lot to look at, making repeated readings necessary. This is an interestingly designed book as it can be read two ways; one as the alien child in space leaves his family and goes all the way down to Earth and then the ocean, and another as he starts in the ocean and goes all the way back up into space to his family. That way is much happier! Kids like these kinds of reading challenges. It reminds me of Mirror Mirror and Follow Follow - the story, points of view, and mood all change depending which direction you read it.
What do You think about A Long Way Away / Frank Viva (2013)?
A fun book that the reader can turn over and read both ways. Interesting gimmick and great pictures.
—mia
Interesting concept and exciting art but the stories did not really click for me.
—taleighkansy
What a clever original book - it added nice unexpected variety to reading time.
—leony
