"There were books in dressers and drawers and desks, in closets and cupboards and chests. There were books on the sofa and books on the stairs," and Meena hates all of them, as does her cat Max, who is shakily balanced on a giant stack. As Meena tries to rescue Max, the books come crashing down, freeing a wonderland of characters and animals who take Meena on a fanciful and funny romp through the magic of reading. The 25th anniversary edition features an interview with the author, covers from editions of the book published around the world, and letters from children, including readers who found their love of stories alongside Meena for the very first time. "The watercolor illustrations are a riot of activity in this delightful story about leaning into one’s imagination." -- Michelle Anne Schlinger ― Foreword Reviews "For a more nostalgic treatment of a book for non-readers look for the 25th anniversary edition of The Girl Who Hated Books ... In this riotous mixture of 'princes and princesses, fairies and frogs,' Meena discovers there are unexpected joys within their covers... Besides letters sent to the author, it features the original amusing illustrations by Saskatchewan-born, now Montreal-based artist Leanne Franson." -- Helen Norrie ― Winnipeg Free Press This is a playful and satisfying story that explores the pleasures of reading with humour and wit. ― Quill & Quire A given set of usual patterns of successful children's books does not necessarily predict the popularity among readers. It is unpredictable.. Nevertheless, Manjusha's The Girl Who Hate Books could wrap itself around the readers like me, and leaves us with a lasting value. ― Azi Premji University "This is a great story to share with reluctant readers who may be struggling to find their own joy in reading." -- Tina Buttineau ― ETFO Voice "This is a playful and satisfying story that explores the pleasures of reading with humour and wit… Leanne Franson’s rollicking illustrations capture the chaos of the hodge-podge of characters as well as the magic of their quiet, intense listening as Meena reads their books." -- Alice Priestley ― Quill & Quire A beloved and timeless story celebrates 25 years! Manjusha Pawagi has a law degree from the University of Toronto and a journalism degree from Stanford University. She has worked as a reporter for CBC Radio in Charlottetown, PEI, and the Associated Press in St. Louis, Mo.; and as a lawyer for the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto and the Office of the Children’s Lawyer. She was appointed to the Ontario Court of Justice in 2009 and she is currently a family and youth court judge in Toronto. Leanne Franson was born in Regina, Saskatchewan. She studied Fine Arts at Concordia University in Montréal and did further study in Ceramics at Banff Centre, School of Fine Arts. After working as a dishwasher, massage therapist, short-order cook, waitress, foot courier and clerk at a fine arts materials shop, she decided to restrain herself to illustrating children’s books.