Monday, January 21, 2008

Library Lion


Like most library people, there's nothing that will get my attention more than a book about libraries or librarians. I'm not sure whether so many authors write books with 'library' or 'librarian' in the title because they probably like libraries (being book people after all) or because they figure every library in the country will order at least one copy. We're narcicists, even if the title isn't flattering like Here Lies the Librarian or Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians.

But it's not just librarians who love Library Lion, by Michelle Knudsen and illustrated by Kevin Hawkes. This book was given to Maya a few months back by her honorary sister Maria, who loves it dearly as well.

A lion wonders into a very traditional library and, what do you know, likes storytime. The very traditional librarians decide he can attend storytime as long as he obeys the rules, like no roaring. By and by he becomes very useful and very popular at the library. When an emergancy arises, even though his roar saves the day, he leaves because he knows he has broken the rules. Luckily the rules are amended.

This is such a touching story. The dreamy pictures of the mild lion interacting with children will warm your heart, if not your kids'. One librarian I work with has been reading Library Lion to visiting school groups, and says they are absolutely enthralled no matter the grade. Highly recommended for kids of all ages. Roar.

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