Our Incredible Library Book
Written by Caroline Crowe ● Illustrated by John Joseph
Verdict:
A charming story in simple rhyme, following one well-loved library book on its bumpy journey from reader to reader. An ideal read-aloud with a valuable message about libraries at its heart.
What is it about?
Told in short, simple rhymes, this is the story of the journeys a book takes from its home in a library to the many homes of its readers. We see how each reader loves it and how it becomes part of their lives, sharing in many of the same trials. It gets dripped upon and torn, sat upon and stuck forlorn; chewed and drenched and dropped on the ground, and taped and bent and carried around. But it is also loved and hugged and shared, inspiring and comforting as it travels from one small person’s life to the next.
Our take:
The reader gets an amusing look at the life of a library book, with its accompanying tears and mending, scribbles and soakings, in all kinds of environments. But there is also a serious message to be found here about the immense benefits of libraries, how they give all people opportunities to read, to fill their minds with adventures and new ideas, to grow through literacy, to communicate with others, and even — despite some mishaps along the way way — to learn to be responsible for public things. The illustrations make a point to show how many people who often might not have books and stories in their lives gain access to them through their public libraries.
Perfect fit for:
This is an excellent choice for a read-aloud. It is a large-format book with full-page illustrations and rhyming text. The more exposure children get to poetry, the better, even poetry as simple as this. As readers move through the story, they can spot the marks left by the book’s many mishaps, which makes it a book of discovery as well. And while the story is fun in itself, it also introduces children to a number of important themes: public goods, taking care of things that matter, making friends with and through books, and gathering and sharing wonderful ideas.
Conversation Starters
If a book is sometimes tattered and torn, does it mean nobody liked it?
How do we take care of books we borrow?
Why are libraries important?
What do you like about our library?
What is your favorite book that you borrowed? Why?
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