Dust Off Your Library Card!

Going to the library remains one of my favorite excursions. I just love to explore books, CDs and movies I never knew existed before. Years ago I decided to close my eyes while walking down a (big people’s) fiction aisle in my local library, run my fingers across the books and stop randomly. I checked out the mystery book I had blindly chosen, and that author is now one of favorite writers of all time (J. California Cooper). I digress. . .

Today I am reviewing two new children’s books about libraries I’m sure you’ll love!

Max and Zoe at the Library ($14.99, Picture Window Books, Ages 4+) written by Shelley Swanson Sateren and illustrated by Mary Sullivan, is an endearing book with a great message. Max is a boy who loves checking books out of the library, but he does not take proper care of them. He panics when his pal, Zoe, tells him that the librarian will be upset with him when she sees his dog eared pages. Max tries to undo the damage but it’s too late. Does he learn his lesson?

What I really like about this book is that it teaches young kids how important it is to respect books. It has a classic look and feel that reminds me of some of the books I read and loved when I was kid. In the back of the book you’ll find a glossary, discussion questions, writing prompts and instructions on making your own bookmark. Surely librarians and teachers everywhere could benefit from sharing this book with their students.

Just looking at the cover of Homer the Library Cat ($15.99, Candlewick Press, Ages 4+) will put a big smile on your face. Illustrator Anne Wilsdorf does a fabulous job with her watercolor pictures. Each illustration takes up both pages of each 2-page spread, and all are so colorful, detailed and inviting. Author, Reeve Lindbergh, the youngest daughter of the infamous Charles Lindbergh, writes in catchy rhyming verse about a cat who gets tired of staying home alone every day while his owner goes to work. So one day he goes out exploring and has some new adventures. Naturally he ends up at the library, where he discovers something rather surprising. The illustrations are awesome, the story is adorable and it inspires young children  to want to spend more time in the library. What can be better than that?

Today’s books were reviewed by Debbie Glade.