Promoting Books and Libraries for Kids
Friday, September 12, 2008
“Read All About It!” by Laura Bush and Jenna Bush; illustrated by Denise Brunkus, 2008, HarperCollins, $17.99.
“The Boy Who was Raised by Librarians” by Carla Morris; illustrated by Brad Sneed, 2007, Peachtree Publishers, $16.95.
“The Storyteller’s Candle/La Velita de los Cuentos,” by Lucia Gonzalez; illustrations by Lulu Delacre, 2008, Children’s Book Press, $16.95.
It’s never too early to begin acquainting children with the love of reading and the appreciation of libraries. Four recent arrivals at the library are noteworthy for their authors, content, or both. First Lady Laura Bush, once a school librarian, and her daughter Jenna have written the text for a fun story of Tyrone, who thinks the library is a boring place. “All I will meet there are stinky pages,” he reports. While the teacher reads to the class each day, Tyrone finds other things to do, like coloring his shoes or making a paper airplane. While the reader knows that something will happen to change Tyrone’s mind about reading and libraries, it’s amusing to find out what will capture his fancy. The colorful pictures add charm and pizzazz to the story.
Recently honored as a 2008 Kansas Notable Book is “The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians.” Carla Morris and Brad Sneed (a Kansas resident) have teamed up to create a story with lively text and enchanting color pictures. Melvin is the opposite of Tyrone (see above). He absolutely adores the library and knowledge. He’s so full of curiosity that he spends every single day at the library. Librarians Marge, Betty and Leeola are Melvin’s favorite people. They pursue every one of Melvin’s questions with energy, thoroughness, and delight. “That’s how librarians are. They just can’t help it. And that’s why Melvin loved them.” I loved them too, and I loved the depiction of the library and the staff. You get a real sense of the passion and dedication often found in library workers, who strive to match the patron with the information they need. As we follow Melvin through his school years, we see the librarians aging gracefully, and finally, we meet the newest librarian on the staff — Melvin! A bilingual book (in English and Spanish), “The Storyteller’s Candle” by award winning author Lucia Gonzalez is set in New York City in the early years of the Great Depression. When a new librarian visits their school and tells stories with books and puppets, Puerto Rican immigrant children Santiago and Hildamar are astonished to learn that the public library is for everyone, even for those who speak Spanish. With the librarian’s encouragement, local families come together to create a play and festivities for the Feast of the Three Kings.
This book honors Pura Belpre who was the first Puerto Rican to be hired as a librarian by the New York Public Library. An inspiring and engaging story, with illustrations that creatively incorporate the January 6, 1930 edition of the New York Times, the book celebrates Latino heritage and the significance of the public library.
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Posted by steakbuffet (anonymous) on September 14, 2008 at 2:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Neat books for kids, in tough economic times. Libraries have a wealth of information for all ages of folks.
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