“The Library Book”
by Tom Chapin and Michael Mark, illustrated by Chuck Groenink.
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, New York, 2017, 32 pages, K-3.
Summer is a time for relaxation and a slowed pace of life. It is also a time when people find the time to read books that have been on their “to-do” list for some time.
But how does one discover what books are interesting to read? There are basically two ways to achieve this goal. First, you can go to the library and ask for assistance from the librarian. The second method is to go to the library and begin wandering the shelves until you see something that looks interesting. This is using serendipity to find enjoyable books, the pleasant wandering up and down the stacks and having your eyes seize on an interesting title.
The first method is always more concise, but the second way can be fun. Tom Chapin and Michael Mark have written a delightful picture book about a little girl going to the library and using both methods. The name of this work is “The Library Book.”
It is a rainy Saturday morning and the child’s family is either sleeping in or watching television. But she is restless and needs some type of adventure. Putting on her coat, she begins walking through the sidewalk puddles to the local library. She knows that the books contain countless adventures and interesting characters.
At the library, as the child walks down between the shelves, her eyes fall upon book after book. The characters begin jumping out of the books and begin accompanying her on the journey up and down the stacks. At one point, she sees the librarian and begins to ask her about books in the collection.
The fun continues for the child as she meets Winnie the Pooh and he wants to walk with her. However, he will only come if he can bring his jar of honey. This sounds like a wonderful idea to the girl and they continue on their trip. At last, she has an armful of books and different characters from the books that have surrounded her. She spies a comfortable chair in the corner. Maybe this would be a good place to pause on her journey. What happens?
Chapin and Mark have created a delightful book. How many book characters are now accompanying the child? Does Winnie the Pooh spill any honey on the chair? What does the Cheshire Cat do in the library?
Does Curious George break anything as he swings through the stacks? Have you ever spent a delightful day in the library meeting fun characters in books? I have. It is a great way to spend a day. To find out what I mean, go to the library and check out the engaging story, “The Library Book” by Tom Chapin and Michael Mark.
The authors use a song in the book to create a cadence which will have the students repeating the rhyme. This is a really fun book about a little girl experiencing the delights of reading and meeting literary characters. It would make an excellent read-aloud with the younger members of your family. If you check the book out, I’m sure you will like it as much as I did. Enjoy!
