How to Live Forever by Colin Thompson

ISBN-13: 9780099461814
Publisher: Random House UK
Publication Date: 25 January 2005
Format: Paperback, 32 pgs
Source: Library

Last weekend, my youngest daughter happily shoved a book into my hand and asked me to read it to her. She got it from her school library for her buddy reading program - a 20-minute reading program to allow the pupils to read before the school assembly. I glanced at the book cover and thought it has a lovely illustration; plus who doesn't get intrigued by that title? 

How to Live Forever is not a book that tells you the secret of immortality, but a fantasy story about a boy called Peter who goes in search of a missing book (yep, you know the title) from a library where he lives. Well, to be precise, this library will come to life after it closes its doors at night and the shelves will begin to rearrange themselves and the rows of books will transform into rows of town houses and bustling with activities. That's where Peter really lives.  

After searching high and low for it, Peter finally found the missing book through four old men. Peter doesn't understand why these four men aged if they have the book, surely it doesn't work, does it? But they told him it works and brings him to see the Ancient Child who will then enlighten him through his experience and why he's decided to hide the book. 

How to Live Forever is a lovely picture book filled with an intriguing premise and not to mention those colourful illustrations (see below). I liked the idea of a library coming to life at night and I know how this imagination would fill the children with delight. The message behind this book is the philosophy of living life as it is and while I appreciate the meaning of it, I wasn't sure if my 7-year-old understands the message it's driving so I simply explained to her to be happy and appreciate our lives as what it is. All in all, this is a book that will charm young readers and adults alike.