The musical adaptation of the beloved children's book, 'The Incredible Book Eating Boy,' at The Alliance Theatre

Oliver Jeffers’ award-winning children’s book “The Incredible Book Eating Boy” imagines a way in which a young boy named Henry could absorb books — by eating them. The whimsical picture book has been adapted as a musical at the Alliance Theatre, and “The Incredible Book Eating Boy” will have its world premiere on the Hertz Stage on July 13.

The Alliance has partnered with Children Read, A nonprofit organization encouraging literacy among very young readers and distributing books throughout our area.

There’s a book drive in conjunction with the show’s theatrical run, and president of Children Read Cindy Jaret joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes along with Chris Moses, the Dan Rearden director of education and associate artistic director at the Alliance to talk about the musical and its accompanying projects in youth literacy.