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Grace Lin
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Once Upon a Book Hardcover – Picture Book, February 7, 2023

by Grace Lin (Author), Kate Messner (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 51 ratings
Editors' pick Best Books Ages 3-5
See all formats and editions
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A Kirkus Best Picture Book of 2023!
A Smithsonian Magazine Best Kids Books of 2023!

From Caldecott and Newbery Honoree Grace Lin and bestselling author Kate Messner comes a modern folktale about the joy of reading.

Once upon a time, there was a girl. She went to a place alive with colors, where even the morning dew was warm. 

Alice loves to imagine herself in the magical pages of her favorite book. So when it flaps its pages and invites her in, she is swept away to a world of wonder and adventure, riding camels in the desert, swimming under the sea with colorful fish, floating in outer space, and more! But when her imaginative journey comes to an end, she yearns for the place she loves best of all.

Paired with vibrant illustrations, this lyrical, expressive story invites the reader to savor each page and indulge in the power of imagination.

Previous page
  1. Reading age
    4 - 8 years
  2. Print length
    40 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Preschool - 3
  5. Dimensions
    9.45 x 0.55 x 12.1 inches
  6. Publisher
    Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
  7. Publication date
    February 7, 2023
  8. ISBN-10
    0316541079
  9. ISBN-13
    978-0316541077
  10. See all details
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From the Publisher

A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin A Big Bed for Little Snow by Grace Lin I Am an American: The Wong Kim Ark Story by Grace Lin, illustrated by Julia Kuo Ling and Ting: Not Exactly the Same! by Grace Lin The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
A Big Mooncake for Little Star A Big Bed for Little Snow I Am an American Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same! The Year of the Dog Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
Customer Reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars
809
4.7 out of 5 stars
68
4.9 out of 5 stars
22
4.7 out of 5 stars
214
4.7 out of 5 stars
649
4.8 out of 5 stars
4,035
Price $12.99 $10.49 $16.99 $4.99 $7.49 —
Share Grace Lin's award-winning books with children of all ages! This stunning picture book creates a heartwarming original story that explains phases of the moon. Artfully introduces young readers to their first snow through striking illustrations and heartwarming moments. Introduces young readers to the young man who challenged the Supreme Court for his right to be an American citizen and won. Ling and Ting are twins. They have the same brown eyes. They have the same pink cheeks. They have the same happy smiles. A special edition of a modern classic by the Newbery-Award winning and bestselling author of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. A fantasy crossed with Chinese folklore, this is a timeless story reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz and The Girl Who Drank the Moon.

Editorial Reviews

Review

* "Lin and Messner's spectacular collaboration celebrates books and reading....A spellbinding ode to imagination and the transformative wonder of stories."―Kirkus, starred review

*“A thrilling journey of the imagination….Lin’s lush full-bleed spreads invite readers to take the journey with Alice.”―Horn Book, starred review

“This engrossing, wonderfully imaginative meta-adventure follows a girl bored at home in the middle of winter as she reads and also explores the pages of a book... a must-read for anyone in search of exceptional picture books.”―The Miami Herald

About the Author

Grace Lin is the recipient of the Children's Literature Legacy Award and is the bestselling author and illustrator of over thirty books, including A Big Mooncake for Little Star (a Caldecott Honor), A Big Bed for Little Snow, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (a Newbery Honor), The Year of the Dog, and the Ling & Ting series. Grace is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and lives in Massachusetts. 

Kate Messner is a New York Times bestselling author of more than fifty books for young readers. Kate's award-winning titles include picture books like Over and Under the Snow and The Brilliant Deep; novels like Breakout and Chirp; engaging nonfiction like The Next President and the History Smashers series; the Ranger in Time adventures; and the Fergus and Zeke easy readers. Kate lives on Lake Champlain and invites you to visit her at www.katemessner.com
 

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (February 7, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0316541079
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0316541077
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 8 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.15 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.45 x 0.55 x 12.1 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 51 ratings

About the author

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Grace Lin

Grace Lin

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Hello! Thanks so much for your interest in me and my books!

I grew up in Upstate NY with my parents and 2 sisters, whom are featured in many of my books, including "Dim Sum For Everyone!" and my novels, "The Year of the Dog" and "The Year of the Rat." My mother and I were the star characters in my first book, "The Ugly Vegetables"--I cut both my sisters out of that story! They were quite upset with me and made me promise never to cut them out again. And since then, I haven't...yet.

While many of my books highlight my family, not all of them do. My Newbery Honor-winning novel "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon," is an Asian inspired fantasy that some people call a Chinese 'Wizard of Oz,' and my early reader "Ling & Ting" is inspired by the old 'Flicka, Dicka & Ricka' books I read when I was young.

I hope you enjoy my books. Please visit my website: www.gracelin.com for more info about them (behind the scene stories and pictures) as well as other amusing anecdotes!

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
51 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Lili
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, lavish illustrations
Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2023
Verified Purchase
This is a wonderful book about the power of books to transport us to any destination! A bored little girl wishes for warmth, clear waters, wide open blue space, quiet and calm, etc. Each time a book offers her just what she wants and delights the reader with gorgeous illustrations! I borrowed it from the library but it was so fabulous, we had to own it! Kids 4 to 9 years old and adults all loved this book! Go ahead, treat yourself!
2 people found this helpful
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R. Temple
5.0 out of 5 stars True love!
Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2023
Verified Purchase
I absolutely love this book. I have an Asian granddaughter named Alice. We read this book often. The illustrations are amazing! She loves finding where the rabbit is on each page, & seeing how Alice's outfit blends with whatever scenery she's in. I admittedly have a book addiction and this one tops the list.
One person found this helpful
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Emily
5.0 out of 5 stars 6 year old has asked for it over and over
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2023
Verified Purchase
I’m a big fan of Grace Lin as a person (her TED talk) and author/illustrator (especially her absolutely delightful Year of the Dog series), but I ordered this book when I saw that the character in this is named Alice like my daughter, an allusion to Alice in Wonderland. The story is slow paced and very simple, but like Lin’s Where the Mountain Meets the Moon it has a lovely message about being content. My 6 and 3 year olds loved spotting the details and clues hidden in the illustrations. Perfect for kids who need something sweet and calm before bed.
2 people found this helpful
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The Shatney Family
5.0 out of 5 stars A delight to explore
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2023
Verified Purchase
This is one of those treasures of a picture book that seems simple at first glance but unfolds with layers of things to explore and discover… literature references, foreshadowing clues, things to find, a clever trick with the main character’s attire blending with her surroundings (look up videos of Grace Lin explaining her fascination with old
illustrations using that style). And the storyline… one that seems like it will be about finding satisfaction in a good book to escape cabin fever… has a sweet twist at the end.
2 people found this helpful
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Carolyn Milliken
5.0 out of 5 stars Do you get totally involved in a book???
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2023
Verified Purchase
Alice does…..Grace Lin is a genius at telling the story of a young girl who becomes totally immersed in books…(like we all sometimes do). The illustrations are breathtaking! I shared it with my adult Book club members.
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Lazar
5.0 out of 5 stars Brings me back to WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2023
I love this beautiful book! It's universal and timeless, and leaves me feeling the way WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE does at the end. Masterfully written and illustrated. A perfect read aloud for any day your child needs a reminder that they are right where they need to be, safe and sound in your love.
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Kyle
5.0 out of 5 stars Dive into a book!
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2023
Another beautiful book by Grace Lin AND she partnered with one of our favorite authors, Kate Messner! Enter a world of wonder. Indulge in the power of imagination. Share in the absolute joy of reading. The vibrant illustrations take us on a journey as we turn the page with Alice and climb into her story books. Escaping the gray, cold winter at home, we enter a jungle, a desert, the ocean, the sky & the vastness of space. However, through these adventures Alice realizes that best place to be is somewhere closer than she thinks. Books about books are my favorite and this one does not disappoint.
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wordjellyreview
5.0 out of 5 stars Once Upon a Book – A picturesque enchanting journey.
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2023
‘Once Upon a Book’ by award winning author Kate Messner and Caldecott honoree illustrator Grace Lin, celebrates the captivating power of a book, that can take its readers to an enchanting journey together.

Alice is an imaginative Asian descent young girl who longs to escape the dull, dreary winter of her home. Her favorite book offers her a magical escape to wonderful places, where she swims through seas and soars through the sky. As Alice is drawn into the pages of the book, she experiences a different world every time.

Alice ventures on her quest to find her perfect place, and enjoys her journey, from vibrant, wet rainforests to endless, arid deserts. However, each place is imperfect in its own way, and Alice escapes from heavy rain, dusty sandstorms, and thunderous skies, learning that every place has its limitations.

As Alice learns that each place has its flaws, it leaves her wishing for and finally discovering, the best place of all.
Brilliant illustrations by Grace Lin and lyrical text by author, Kate Messner paint a vivid picture of each land that Alice ventures in, from the damp & picturesque rainforest to sunny arid desert, from the glimpses of the oceanic world to the sparseness of the universe. I strongly recommend this book to the readers. #wordjellyreview
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