A moving celebration of the power of books and reading from bestselling author and illustrator, Tom Percival, creator of Ruby's Worry.
 
Mia feels alone; so alone that it's as if she lives on a small island, far out to sea. But then one day, Mia is given a book - the first she has ever been able to call her own. As Mia reads the book, bridges appear and her island fills with color and life. And the more Mia reads, the stronger the bridges become, opening up a world of connection and hope... 

Because a book can take you anywhere... 

Celebrate the power of books and reading in this moving picture book by Tom Percival, author of Ruby's Worry and The Invisible, among many more.

• By Tom Percival
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's UK (August 18, 2026)
• Length: 32 pages
• ISBN13: 9781398515086
• Ages: 3 - 99

About the author

Tom Percival is an author/illustrator who lives in Stroud with his family and The Best Dog in the World (apologies if you happen to think that your dog is The Best Dog in the World). A lot of his books explore social connections, community, equality and emotional growth, but he also makes room to write a bit of pure escapist fun once in a while. When he’s not making books he enjoys walking and running around the countryside with either his family, or The Best Dog in the World, and sometimes ALL of them at once. He also makes music and enjoys taking photographs.