For the fifth year in a row, the One Book, One San Diego program is featuring a companion book for children ages ten and under to go along with the adult selection. This year's 2015 One Book selection is the international best-seller "Shadow of the Wind," by Spanish novelist Carlos Ruiz Zafón. The book takes place in Barcelona after the Spanish Civil War and centers around a young boy who sets out to protect a mysterious book with his life.
KPBS convened a committee of experts in early literacy, which included academics, bookstore owners, and parents of young children, who considered a long list of possible companion titles. Ultimately, they decided to highlight "The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore" by William Joyce. It, too, is a book lover's book, and reinforces the theme, from "Shadow of the Wind," that books return the favor to those who care for them. It isn't just a book either; it has an app, an animated e-book, and a short film to help readers take it right off the pages.
Hundreds of San Diego and Tijuana area children will read and engage in activities around "The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore" this fall. KPBS will host William Joyce November 6-7 in a series of special One Book for Kids events that will be open to the public.
Additionally, KPBS partnered with Reach Out and Read San Diego to select a special companion book for babies, toddlers and children, ages five and under. "It's a Little Book" by Lane Smith is a board book that will help even the littlest readers understand how special and unique a book is.
